Tyrann Mathieu appears to be impressing early with the Arizona Cardinals. The rookie safety may have struggled to win fans over prior to being drafted, but now that he is getting a chance to show his skills on the field, the Cardinals are certainly happy with the risk they took. As the Cardinals wrap up organized team activities and prepare for minicamps and training camp, Mathieu is winning over Arizona, one teammate at a time. The first to sing his praises is new quarterback Carson Palmer.
Palmer is giving Mathieu a pretty big compliment by comparing the rookie to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive star, Troy Polamalu.
"He reminds of Troy Polamalu with his closing speed. He might not be the fastest guy out there, but he can change directions and get to the ball really fast, like Troy," Palmer told SI.com.
Palmer certainly knows a thing or two about Polamalu. While quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, Palmer faced the safety twice a year. He spent hours watching his every move on film. He is pretty qualified to give a decent scouting report on the Pro Bowler.
Mathieu and Polamalu compare in a lot of ways. Both are on the shorter end of NFL safeties. Mathieu is only 5-foot-9 which is not the prototypical height. However, both players have the mentioned closing speed that makes up the lack of height. Scouts sitting in on Cardinals' practices are buzzing over the potential Mathieu is showing on the field, making the comparison to Polamalu seem very fitting.
Arizona intends on testing Mathieu out in multiple positions. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is looking to give Mathieu the chance to contribute in multiple areas of the field. The former Honey Badger played a hybrid of positions while at LSU. They had him running kick returns, acting as safety and also lining up as a cornerback. The Cardinals seem his as a great option for an extra defensive back, along with a nickel cornerback. He is already the presumed starter as a return man alongside LSU teammate, Patrick Peterson.
Now officially under contract with the Cardinals, Mathieu has enrolled himself in the NFL drug-testing program. He will likely face up to 10 tests per month. This was reportedly Mathieu's decision to enter the program and not one that was dictated by his contract.
