Tyrann Mathieu to enter NFL draft

[RS12]

Former LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu plans to announce Thursday he is entering the next NFL draft, a source close to the player said.

Mathieu, known as the "Honey Badger," was a Heisman Trophy finalist known for his knack for making plays last year. But the 20-year-old Mathieu was suspended for this season due to a substance abuse issue he has continued to work on.

Mathieu was arrested last month on a possession of marijuana charge. He also was dismissed from the football team in August for failing a drug test and entered a treatment program run by former NBA player John Lucas.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2013/sto...ft-source-says

[RS12]

Highly doubt they draft him but if he could put the pipe down he is the playmaking FS/ special teamer they have been looking for. Just cant see it working out in Dallas though. Probably needs to go to a place like NE or Pitt with strong coaches and less distractions after practice.

[RS12]

Even without all of those issues, however, Mathieu’s draft stock may have been uncertain. He won the 2011 Bednarik Award, handed out to college football’s best defensive player, and was a Heisman finalist after a sophomore season in which he made huge play after huge play — Mathieu finished the 2011 campaign with 76 tackles, 11 interceptions, six forced fumbles, two defensive touchdowns and a pair of punt return touchdowns.

During his time with the Tigers, he was unquestionably one of the most electric players in college football. However, even then there were questions about how Mathieu’s game would translate to the NFL.


At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Mathieu lacks the prototypical size of an elite cornerback. Any team that selects him also may have to adjust its defensive playbook — Mathieu thrived at LSU, in part, because the coaching staff did not hesitate to use him all over the secondary. Mathieu even slid up as a linebacker to rush the quarterback at times.

That versatility could make Mathieu a home-run pick for a team willing to use him in such a way, but it could detract from those seeking a straight-up cover corner.

And as for those other factors …

Working in Mathieu’s favor may be the recent success of other players with so-called “character issues.” Though the Rams had to suspend Janoris Jenkins in Week 10 for a violation of team rules, he has put together a decent rookie season, highlighted by a two-pick-6 performance last week. Last year, the Ravens rolled the dice in the first round on Jimmy Smith, despite reports that he had failed multiple drug tests and been arrested for third-degree assault. Thus far, the Ravens have had no issues with Smith, aside from some inconsistent play.

The NFL world also received an introduction to Eagles rookie running back Bryce Brown last Monday. Brown was one of the most highly-touted recruits in the 2009 class, only to leave Tennessee after one season, and then bail on Kansas State as well after a report alleged that ex-Miami booster Nevin Shapiro had provided him with improper benefits.

http://nfl.si.com/2012/11/29/honey-b...f=twitter_feed

[coogrfan]

Let's see: Mathieu is smallish, possesses mediocre at best man coverage skills, and by having weed at his apartment when he had literally millions of potential future dollars riding on getiing reinstated by LSU he has proven himself to be a complete moron.

How can Jerry resist?

[RS12]

Rotoworld NFL Draft ‏@Rotoworld_Draft
PFT: Mathieu currently viewed as 4th rounder http://dlvr.it/2YrBdm
Expand Reply Retweet Favorite More

[Sifillest]

i'd definitely take a shot on him...dude can come in on nickel packages and wreak havoc. and his return ability would be welcome.

[joseephuss]

Originally Posted by Sifillest

i'd definitely take a shot on him...dude can come in on nickel packages and wreak havoc. and his return ability would be welcome.

He is not any better than Pacman Jones and that didn't work out too well.

[Sifillest]

seems he had better stats than pacman by a lot. plus he would be playing alongside claiborne again. all im saying is, it couldnt hurt. the reward is much higher than the risk imo.

[joseephuss]

Originally Posted by Sifillest

seems he had better stats than pacman by a lot. plus he would be playing alongside claiborne again. all im saying is, it couldnt hurt. the reward is much higher than the risk imo.

What risk are you assigning? Fourth round? Sixth round?

Yes, it can hurt. If management talks to the guy and truly thinks he has changed his ways then maybe it can work. If he is still dense, then he can be a bad influence and problem. Sure you look into it, but I don't think you just say "what the heck, let's pull the trigger".

I also don't think the reward is really all that high. He has some limitations.

Pacman had 8 ints in college. Honey Badger had 4.