2013 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tyrann Mathieu
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By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
Amazing instincts
Takeaways
Splash plays
Ball skills
Great at forcing fumbles
Can play zone or man schemes
Good hands
Durable
Experienced
Physical with offensive players
Swagger
Flexible
Plays bigger
Plays faster
Special teams weapon
Good returner
Valuable in kick coverage
Weaknesses: Major off-the-field problems
Arrests
Positive drug tests
Undersized
Lacks elite speed
Every-down corner?
Summary: In 2010 and 2011, Mathieu was one of the best players in the SEC and all of college football. He was a consistent source of splash plays and was a game-changer for LSU. Mathieu compiled 57 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, seven passes broken up and two interceptions as a freshman in 2010.
Mathieu was one of the best defensive players in college football in 2011. The sophomore was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and he had a massive impact for LSU. Mathieu led the Tigers in tackles with 76. He also had 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up. Additionally, Mathieu served as a punt returner in 2011, averaging 16 yards per return with two brought back for touchdowns.
The unique attribute that allows Mathieu to be such a force are his instincts. He does a tremendous job of readying an offense and getting in position to make plays. Mathieu is always around the ball. He is a physical hitter who plays much bigger than his size. Mathieu has a real knack to strip the ball free from ball-carriers.
In the college game, Mathieu had generally good coverage as a cornerback. He rarely was beaten deep or allowed separation. Mathieu would be best as a hybrid safety and cornerback in the NFL given his size. He could serve as a slot corner who covers smaller receivers. Mathieu could also operate well as a roving free safety on some snaps. His instincts could let him run around the field and make splash plays.
LSU moved Mathieu around to protect him and put him in the best position to make plays. That worked well for the Tigers, and his pro team should use him in the same way.
Mathieu is also a special teams weapon in coverage and returns. The troubled play-maker could also be a punt returner in the NFL.
The big question with Mathieu is the off-the-field problems. There are some teams that have doubts that he can stay out of trouble and avoid positive drug tests. If Mathieu stays clean, he could turn into a good NFL player. Mathieu needs to land in a strong locker room that has leaders to help him adjust to the lifestyle of the NFL. He needs good coaches and mentors at the next level.
There is a possibility that Mathieu could sneak into the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft, but it looks more likely that he will fall to the third day.
Player Comparison: Ronde Barber. There are a lot of different players who Mathieu has been compared to. The list includes Ed Reed and Antoine Winfield (5-9, 180). Like Barber, Mathieu has tremendous instincts to put himself in position to make splash plays. Barber always seems to be "Johnny on the spot," and Mathieu was like that in college. Barber (5-9, 185) is identical measurements to Mathieu.
Coming out of Virginia, Barber was a third-round pick. He was able to be a good corner on the outside and has been a real weapon as a slot corner. Mathieu could play that role in the NFL and go in a similar range in the 2013 NFL Draft.
NFL Matches: St. Louis, Baltimore, Washington, Detroit, Oakland
The vast majority of teams in the NFL will consider drafting a cornerback in the mid-rounds, so there are a ton of possibilities for Mathieu. These five teams could make sense as destinations for him.
The Rams could be a nice fit for Mathieu. They have a coaching staff who could handle him and benefitted from taking a character risk last year with Janoris Jenkins. St. Louis could use secondary depth and Mathieu could be flexible with how the team uses him.
Washington needs secondary help at cornerback and safety. General manager Bruce Allen, head coach Mike Shanahan and defensive backs coach Raheem Morris have given chances to troubled players in the past. Mathieu could be a good play-maker in the Redskins' secondary.
The Lions have to improve their secondary, and they could use a play-maker like Mathieu to make plays off their pass rush. Detroit's regime has drafted players with character issues in the past.
Oakland needs secondary help at corner, and Mathieu could be a nice value pick for the Raiders in the mid-rounds. However, their coaching staff and front office may not want to take a risk on Mathieu in their locker room.
RELATED LINKS:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's
2013 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2013 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
Weaknesses:
Summary: In 2010 and 2011, Mathieu was one of the best players in the SEC and all of college football. He was a consistent source of splash plays and was a game-changer for LSU. Mathieu compiled 57 tackles with 8.5 tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, two interceptions, seven passes broken up and two interceptions as a freshman in 2010.
Mathieu was one of the best defensive players in college football in 2011. The sophomore was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and he had a massive impact for LSU. Mathieu led the Tigers in tackles with 76. He also had 7.5 tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up. Additionally, Mathieu served as a punt returner in 2011, averaging 16 yards per return with two brought back for touchdowns.
The unique attribute that allows Mathieu to be such a force are his instincts. He does a tremendous job of readying an offense and getting in position to make plays. Mathieu is always around the ball. He is a physical hitter who plays much bigger than his size. Mathieu has a real knack to strip the ball free from ball-carriers.
In the college game, Mathieu had generally good coverage as a cornerback. He rarely was beaten deep or allowed separation. Mathieu would be best as a hybrid safety and cornerback in the NFL given his size. He could serve as a slot corner who covers smaller receivers. Mathieu could also operate well as a roving free safety on some snaps. His instincts could let him run around the field and make splash plays.
LSU moved Mathieu around to protect him and put him in the best position to make plays. That worked well for the Tigers, and his pro team should use him in the same way.
Mathieu is also a special teams weapon in coverage and returns. The troubled play-maker could also be a punt returner in the NFL.
The big question with Mathieu is the off-the-field problems. There are some teams that have doubts that he can stay out of trouble and avoid positive drug tests. If Mathieu stays clean, he could turn into a good NFL player. Mathieu needs to land in a strong locker room that has leaders to help him adjust to the lifestyle of the NFL. He needs good coaches and mentors at the next level.
There is a possibility that Mathieu could sneak into the second day of the 2013 NFL Draft, but it looks more likely that he will fall to the third day.
Player Comparison: Ronde Barber. There are a lot of different players who Mathieu has been compared to. The list includes Ed Reed and Antoine Winfield (5-9, 180). Like Barber, Mathieu has tremendous instincts to put himself in position to make splash plays. Barber always seems to be "Johnny on the spot," and Mathieu was like that in college. Barber (5-9, 185) is identical measurements to Mathieu.
Coming out of Virginia, Barber was a third-round pick. He was able to be a good corner on the outside and has been a real weapon as a slot corner. Mathieu could play that role in the NFL and go in a similar range in the 2013 NFL Draft.
NFL Matches: St. Louis, Baltimore, Washington, Detroit, Oakland
The vast majority of teams in the NFL will consider drafting a cornerback in the mid-rounds, so there are a ton of possibilities for Mathieu. These five teams could make sense as destinations for him.
The Rams could be a nice fit for Mathieu. They have a coaching staff who could handle him and benefitted from taking a character risk last year with Janoris Jenkins. St. Louis could use secondary depth and Mathieu could be flexible with how the team uses him.
Washington needs secondary help at cornerback and safety. General manager Bruce Allen, head coach Mike Shanahan and defensive backs coach Raheem Morris have given chances to troubled players in the past. Mathieu could be a good play-maker in the Redskins' secondary.
The Lions have to improve their secondary, and they could use a play-maker like Mathieu to make plays off their pass rush. Detroit's regime has drafted players with character issues in the past.
Oakland needs secondary help at corner, and Mathieu could be a nice value pick for the Raiders in the mid-rounds. However, their coaching staff and front office may not want to take a risk on Mathieu in their locker room.
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A R M
04-25-2013
12:14 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.65
(total posts: 2)
 3
 3
i think mathieu shoukd go with the 49ers e will be a best or maybe even with ravens
A R M
04-25-2013
12:14 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.65
(total posts: 2)
3
3
i think mathieu shoukd go with the 49ers e will be a best or maybe even with ravens
Best Corner in the Draft
04-21-2013
11:22 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx2.79
(total posts: 1)
5
21
Not only is he the best DB in the draft I say he's the best defensive player in the draft and who ever gets him will not regret it and the teams that pass on him I already feel sorry for them I predict 2-3 round
Iggy
04-21-2013
06:14 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx0.88
(total posts: 1)
5
5
Minnesota has him on the short list
Dave T
04-16-2013
05:35 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.146
(total posts: 1)
6
27
You've compared him to Antoine Winfield, but you don't have the Vikings as a possible team???
Will
03-25-2013
11:35 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.141
(total posts: 1)
7
6
And that's why the Bucs should take him and hope Barber comes back to teach him how to be a man
Multi-Skillionaire
03-22-2013
01:24 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.130
(total posts: 1)
166
7
Detroit will draft him in the 3rd and use him for the slot.
Jfk
03-16-2013
08:44 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.131
(total posts: 1)
6
29
The honey badger in the steelers. Think about its a good fit and since Chris Rainey left we need another guy to go return kicks/punts. Hope he does get drafted by them
Spraynard
03-05-2013
09:25 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx5.49
(total posts: 1)
7
7
@Ugh Confidence inspires confidence. Listen to anyone talk about Ray Lewis. His swagger just took his team to the superbowl.
BucFan90
03-05-2013
05:48 pm
xxx.xxx.xxx.132
(total posts: 1)
10
6
And half the man Ronde is.
Dan
03-05-2013
10:38 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.213
(total posts: 1)
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6
There's a part of me that would like the 'Skins to draft Mathieu, and hope that the positive influences like Griffin and London Fletcher (if he comes back) will be able to keep him stable and out of trouble. As long as it's not one of their higher picks. Scares me a little though. We've had three players lose significant time over the last three years for drug suspensions.
Ugh
03-05-2013
10:34 am
xxx.xxx.xxx.141
(total posts: 1)
136
35
How is "swagger" a strength?
Pages:
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RELATED LINKS:
2013 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's
2013 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2013 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21
2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21
Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20
2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3
NFL Picks - Feb. 3
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