Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu is one of the most interesting prospects in the draft, as he likely would have been a top 10 pick before being kicked off his team for drug issues and now the Honey Badger is the target of both the New England Patriots and the San Francisco 49ers.
According to NFL.com, the Boston Herald is reporting that Mathieu will be visiting with the Patriots on April 5 and will later meet with the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are thin at cornerback and each could find Mathieu waiting in one of the late rebounds due to his off the field issues.
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said that he thinks Mathieu is a third or fourth round pick and since Belichick likes looking for value late in the draft, it could be a perfect fit. The Patriots ranked 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game and greatly need some depth at the position after bringing back Aqib Talib and Kyle Arrington.
Another reason the Patriots could be a good fit is in part due to the fact that running back Jeff Demps may miss part of the season. Mathieu has proven to be an adept return man and if the speedy Demps misses out for track training, the cornerback could take over returning kicks instead.
At 5-foot-9, 186-pounds he is a bit on the small side, but Mathieu was electric in college before being kicked off for drug issues, making it to the finals for the Heisman trophy presentation in New York as a cornerback, which is no easy feat. He can play at many different secondary spots in various schemes and if the Patriots or 49ers pass, he could end up with the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington Redskins or the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Patriots are a bit thin at the position after Alfonzo Dennard's arrest and uncertain future, making Mathieu a prime target. The cornerback said he hasn't smoked pot since last year and that he has turned a corner when it comes to his behavior.
Mathieu worked out at LSU's pro day during the week and looked impressive in group drills after skipping the physical testing. He put up very solid workouts at the combine and according to reports he has impressed teams in meetings with scouts and front office people. In 2011 Mathieu was stellar for the Tigers as they made it to the championship game, as he was able to shut down nearly every receiver he faced against.
Mathieu will have some in the NFL doubting him after being kicked off the LSU team, but if he is drafted by a team like the Patriots with Belichick or the 49ers with Jim Harbaugh, two coaches who preach accountability, he should be able to succeed.