Mathieu and Burfict are two completely different players. Mathieu was a Heisman candidate, Burfict (as much as I liked him) never was that. I'm predicting Matheiu will have a huge season, I have even said I think he can go as high as Eric Berry did because of the pure skills he possesses, but you have to keep in mind he is 5'9 175 lbs which could completely limit him in the NFL. He needs to bulk up to about 185-190 like Brandon Flowers.
Eric Berry was drafted with the 5th pick and was considered one of the best safeties in the past 10 years. As much as I like Mathieu, his lack of size will keep him out of the very top of the draft. Unfortunately, 5'9' safeties don't get drafted in the top 5 of the draft. Mathieu's athleticism and desire will make him a borderline top 10 pick, which is remarkable. My best guess is the "Honey Badger", at this point in time, will be drafted around 10- 15 range.
You dont remember us talking about this a little while ago? I think with Barron getting drafted at #7, Mathieu's chances of being drafted high increase big time. If Barron can go that high, Mathieu can go higher, especially if a team falls in love with him (Yes, I know the safeties next year are a lot better). I'm not going to guarantee he gets drafted top 5 but I certainly think their is a chance. Teams nowadays are always looking for big time players in the secondary (as you know). Mathieu has incredible cover/zone skills and can move all over a defense, playing CB, Nickel, FS. His height will kill his stock, I bet he lists around 5'8 at the combine but I think skill will triumph all.
I can't compare Barron and Mathieu. I'm not saying Mathieu's skillset is below Barron's. The unfortunate reality of the the NFL is measurables and Mathieu's size will keep him from being a Top 5 pick....that's life in the NFL. I think Eric Reid could go higher than TM.
Yes, and that is unfortunate. Reid has great size and its possible he could go ahead of Mathieu, I don't doubt that at all, but I just think Mathieu could finally be the exception to that unwritten rule. I mean talk about a kid who could blow up the combine... I have always had this wish that the Jets would go all out to get Mathieu. Him in this defense is beyond dangerous. I mean his ball skills and zone play could be some of the best in the league on this team. Yeah I know pipe dream.
Lets pump the breaks on that, especially when that was not always his job. There are several things incredible about TM7 and his game, but I don't think his coverage skills make the list.
I may have overstated the "incredible" part when talking about his man skills, although he is excellent in zone coverage. I think he can be and shows signs of a great man coverage corner. He looked great while playing nickel back last season and has those fluid hips you look for in a true CB. While I dont think he will play corner in the NFL, I think he can be great when covering slot guys at Nickel in the NFL.
i was just making the small point to someone saying that this draft mock is crap because it doesnt have a certain player in it that no-one at this stage can say with any certainty who the 1st rounders next year are going to be.
