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Tyrann Mathieu, the former LSU cornerback affectionately known as the “Honey Badger,” announced today that he will officially enter the 2013 NFL draft. In the recent months since his dismissal from the LSU football team, Mathieu had reportedly toyed with a number of ideas ranging from the draft, to joining a program at a smaller school, to eventually rejoining the LSU program (where he recently re-enrolled). In the end Mathieu made the only move he realistically could given his history — go pro.
Of course just declaring himself for the draft doesn’t mean that Mathieu will be a high pick, or even drafted. While his play-making ability can’t be denied, there are concerns about his size and decision-making ability off the field.
In the past two years Mathieu has failed to stay in good graces with LSU and law enforcement. Mathieu reportedly failed at least three drug tests during his time at LSU, and has also been arrested on marijuana possession charges.
Perhaps the closest analogy to Mathieu is that of former University of Florida cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins was booted from the Gators football team following three marijuana-related arrests, despite being considered a potential top 10 draft choice at one point. Unlike Mathieu though, Jenkins transfered to a smaller school and stayed out of trouble (although rumors persisted of his continued drug use). Jenkins was eventually taken in the 2nd round by the St. Louis Rams, and has flourished in his first season.
Despite the success so far by Jenkins though, it is hard to see a team using much more than a day three pick on Mathieu, simply due to character and size concerns. This is the NFL though, and talent is coveted. All it takes is one coach and/or general manager to turn on Mathieu’s game tape and fall in love with him — sure that they can mold him into a responsible player/human along the way. That’s one thing we’re guess that Honey Badger actually does care about.
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