2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting Picks 22-32
By Baily Deeter
Jan 7, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Manti Te
32. Baltimore Ravens-Manti Te’o, LB, Notre Dame
The Baltimore Ravens will conclude the first round by taking an attention-grabbing middle linebacker to replace Ray Lewis, another guy who was in the spotlight a lot.
Lewis rode into the sunset when the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII, and he has now retired. With Minter and Ogletree off the board, Te’o, who has been in the spotlight a lot lately, would be the best option at middle linebacker. Somehow, the middle linebacker intercepted seven passes in 2012, and he also recorded 111 tackles. Te’o wasn’t exactly amazing in the championship, but he finished the game with 10 tackles.
Te’o ran a 4.71 40-yard dash, so he isn’t extremely fast. His fake girlfriend scandal didn’t help either, and it wouldn’t be extremely surprising to see Te’o picked in the second round. However, Te’o is still a player who can step in and help out, which is what the Ravens need. His pre-draft drama won’t drop him too far, and at this point the Ravens will need anyone they can at middle linebacker.