ESPN Draft Guru Mel Kiper has Saints Taking Manti Te’o!

In ESPN draft specialist Mel Kiper's latest mock draft, he predicts that with the 15th overall pick the New Orleans Saints will take Notre Dame line-backer Manti Te'o.

The Saints are coming off one of the worst defensive seasons in league history, and need help in all positions on that side of the ball.  But if there is a position on the Saints defense that they are not glaringly weak at,  it would be inside linebacker.  So Kiper's prediction seems a little odd.

New Orleans will have Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne playing the inside linebacker position in Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme.

Kiper's latest mock draft is only available to view for ESPN insider subscribers.  He said about the Saints, "There's not a spot on defense where they don't need help.  I think Te'o will produce."

Te'o, who became more famous for his off-field woes this year than his on-field performance, is ranked as about the 30th best player available on most draft boards.