4th rd, mostly b/c history shows a huge drop off in the number of games played starting in the 4th rd, then going to the 6th, then oddly enough, the 7th rd produces more players who actually see the field.
He's ranked 83rd now by NFLDS and moving up I presume. I think he is worth the risk. The 3rd looks like to place to pull the trigger if ya want him.
I'm trying to help a secondary that is completely void of making plays on the ball...I would think a player who excels in the field would be directly on our radar.. 3a for me.
The Dolphins did interview him at the Senior Bowl. His off field issues are well documented. So why interview him unless there was some degree of interest?
True, but maybe they are checking his character out for themselves, and twice to be sure, he's talented for sure but being in Sth Florida may not be good for him
His only documented problem was weed. That is readily available anywhere. IMO, if any location is a concern, it would be better for him to get away from New Orleans, his hometown.
UDFA at best, and even then, I probably wouldn't sign him at all. It sends a bad message to the rest of the team when you reward a guy that simply doesn't get it. Without the baggage, I'd go no higher than the 4th round just based on his ability. He's a 4th/5th cornerback that can play special teams. That's his upside.
Just from a talent pov, Javier Arenas vs Mathieu? I can recall thinking Arenas was going to make a great pro.
I think the other thing to keep in mind is the Cb position has changed to more of a tackling/ball skills skillset vs the old "man on man all over the field" the rules just are hostile to that approach now imo.
IMO people don't realize how rare it is for people to change. You do see the person who makes one big mistake with a large consequence, like for example, getting suspended from a team, change after that first big wake up call. Even that group only changes a small percentage of the time. But amongst those that get multiple chances and keep not getting it, change almost never happens. They all say the right things every time. And somebody always falls for it. That's why they keep getting another chance (that or just talent). But they almost never change, at least not for a long time. I expect to see some HBO or ESPN special about Mathieu when he's about 40 talking about what a great college player he was and how he tried to catch on with a couple of NFL teams but could never overcome his demons until now.
