Ex-LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu Says He Could Cover Calvin Johnson

Tyrann Mathieu surprised many scouts with his speed and footwork at the NFL Scouting Combine Tuesday and quieted questions about how he could perform on a football field.

While off-the-field questions are a concern, Mathieu does not lack in the confidence arena. During drills, the 5-foot-9 cornerback formerly known as "Honey Badger" told NFL Network's Deion Sanders -- or was it Leon Sandcastle? -- he believes he could stick with Megatron.

"I feel like if I was to check somebody like a Calvin Johnson, he'll make his plays, but I'm definitely going to get mine, too," Mathieu said. "He's going to catch his five balls, but I'm going to get my two turnovers, so we'll be even."

That is a lot of bravado from a man who hasn't played organized football in more than a year.

The best corners generally are the cockiest, so while it seems slightly ridiculous to picture Mathieu slowing down Megatron, personnel people should love to hear the confidence.

Source: NFL.com

 

A little cocky. At least wait until you've played under the lights with the big boys before you bring up the top player at his respected position.

 

6'5" > 5'9"

 

I thought he said he hadn't smoked in months. LIAR!

 

what he said isnt really knocking calvin, which is good. Ricahrd Sherman literally thinks hes the best player on the field and he tells every other player he lines up against just that....its really not a bad trait for a CB imo. Same thing with finnegan

 

just seemed like months to him. I understand that corners have to be cocky and aggressive but the sheer size disadvantage Meg would have. Not just that but the jumping ability. Unless he has a 60 inch vert, move on to a more realistic matchuup.

 

He's 5'9 now? He always played at 5'7 at LSU. He was real undersized. I guess a few blunts a day can do wonders.

 

maybe he hit a growth spurt.

 

i have no doubt this guy will do some good things on the field in this league early on in his career. someone will probably only get a couple of good years out of the guy though and then his baggage will take over and he won't be worth the hassle.

 

i dont really think baggage is an issue, i think his biggest enemy is his size...not so much for actually playing, but just staying healthy

 

What's the old saying? It's a wise man who knows his limitations.

 

eh, i think this guy and janoris jenkins and others with their troublemaker mentality will all eventually fall back to their natural personalities at some point. Early on, when they are trying to establish themselves in the nfl, they will stay focused, but after a little success, they will gravitate back to their normal self.

good g.m.'s can find athletic specimens with football smarts who you wouldn't mind also being your neighbor .............. mathieu does not fit those qualifications.

 

all the above is true. Maybe he will get some person to mentor him and maybe it sticks. I hope so for his sake but I have my doubts. Getting kicked off the team after numerous failed drug tests should have awaken him. But after a while he went back to smoking again and got arrested. What is he going to do when he has a few hundred thousand in his account?

 

I've heard nothing from him that doesn't cement his mental unreadiness and lack of maturity for the big stage. HUGE bust potential, wouldn't take hime higher than 4th at best, and I think he'll be off alot of boards all together.

 

Of course the irony here is that, if we follow history, he'll most likely be covering Calvin Johnson every week in practice...

 

He didn't say anything disrespectful. However there a lot of really good CBs in this league that Johnson has destroyed, so needless to say he's a tough assignment. Have to like the confidence though