The New Orleans Saints know they need to focus on defense in the NFL Draft. After having one of the worst defensive units in the league last season, they must improve if the team wants to get back into playoff contention. There are a number of talented defensive players in the draft and the Saints are targeting former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o in the first round.
Te'o has been considered to be a risky draft pick where ever he is selected. The linebacker entered the 2012 college season as a potential top 10 draft pick and ended the season as a possible third-round selection. After being a non-factor in Notre Dame's loss in the National Championship, many NFL scouts considered him not ready for the next level. He followed that up with a disappointing NFL Combine performance where he ran on the slower end of the 40-yard dash times. However, that is not stopping multiple teams from showing interest.
The Saints are looking to address either the linebacker position or the cornerback position with their No.15 pick in the first round. It is assumed that players like Xavier Rhodes or Barkevious Mingo will be gone by the time the Saints select, leaving Te'o to fall right into their laps. While Te'o is not the popular pick, he would fit well in the Saints' defense.
Inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma does not have many playing years left after suffering from knee problems. New Orleans is transitioning back to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Rob Ryan. Vilma struggled with that during his playing time with the New York Jets. Te'o could step in alongside Curtis Lofton and make an impact.
The Saints are not the only team that is considering Te'o as a first round option. The Baltimore Ravens have taken a serious look at the Heisman Trophy nominee. The recently brought him in for a visit with the team and say they are comfortable drafting him, despite his past history.
"We've had a lot of conversations with him, that's what we do. We talk to these guys as much as we can. We spent a lot of time with him. I personally have a great comfort level with him," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said.
It seems more likely that Te'o has a strong possibility of being taken in the first round as multiple teams target defense with their first pick. Whether he proves productive in the NFL remains to be seen, but plenty of teams are will to take their chances on him.
