The NFL combine is officially in the past and now the draft is all the league can talk about. Rumors are flying about what teams are looking at which players. While the New England Patriots' offense is in limbo due to the Wes Welker contract negotiations, the team is focusing on defense in the draft. In an attempt to get younger and more athletic, this year's crop of prospects is filled with defensive talent. One player drawing a lot of interest from the Patriots is former LSU cornerback, Tyrann Mathieu.
Mathieu has said he does not care where he is drafted, just as long as a team is willing to take a chance on him. With more off-field baggage than any other player in the draft, Mathieu is considered a hug risk to most teams. However, he has the defensive talent that could make him a star.
Mathieu was a college standout and potential first-round draft pick, until drug charges got him kicked off the LSU football team and released from the school all together. Mathieu was forced to sit out the 2012 football season because of it. In 2011, Mathieu was a Heisman Trophy finalist along with being named an All-American and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. However, his personal struggles have created a cloud over that.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has shown a willingness to put character issues aside for football talent. He took a chance drafting quarterback Ryan Mallet along with Alfonzo Dennard who came into the draft with red flags. There is a chance Mathieu would be on the board for a few rounds if teams pass him up, preventing the Patriots from having to waste a high pick.
Mathieu impressed many at the combine. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash time, placing him in the faster range of defensive ends and cornerbacks. While he lacks height a 5-foot-nine, he is an aggressive tackler with a knack for interceptions and forcing fumbles. Mathieu could immediately contribute on special teams for New England which could guarantee him a spot on the team.
