San Diego Chargers News: Manti Te’o Lookings ‘NFL Ready’
By Josh Sanchez
San Diego Chargers rookie linebacker Manti Te’o looked like a sure fire first-round pick until late last season when it all came crashing down. After a horrendous outing in the BCS National Championship that was followed by the fake girlfriend scandal, Te’o was under loads of scrutiny and he began to slide down draft boards. When draft day came, the Chargers scooped Te’o up and it looks like he could end up being a steal.
According to reports from Chargers minicamps, Te’olooks like he is NFL ready and he could make an immediate impact on the team’s defense.
From Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Times:
Not many players come out of college immediately NFL-ready. Past 9 years w Chargers, only recall Merriman & Reyes. Add to them: Manti Te'o.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) June 11, 2013
Coming from the longtime Chargers beat reporter, that is one heck of a compliment.
Te’o was known for his leadership ability and high football IQ at Notre Dame, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that those skills are translating to the next level.
If Te’o can keep that base that helped him succeed at the collegiate level and improve his all-around skills, there could be 31 other teams that end up being disappointed that they passed on the former Heisman Trophy finalist.