ChicagoTribune: Report : Honey Badger to enter NFL Draft

[DeMarco Murray 29]

But can he cover an NFL wide receiver consistently? I've heard all about him being a playmaker, particularly in forcing fumbles, but I don't hear people describe him as a consistent cover corner and that's the most important part of a defensive backs game. That's not even taking into account the risk of giving a kid unable to stop involving himself with illegal drugs a large paycheck.

I don't see him as a top flight cover corner. Last year, Mo Claiborne usually locked down the teams #1. Honey Badger played a ton of slot, blitzing etc.

"He's a great ball hawk, but he won't even be the best cover corner LSU has this year," says KC Joyner, football analyst for ESPN. "If you put Mathieu on a Big Ten defense, no one is talking about him for Heisman. He wouldn't even be one of the top four corners in the Big 12."

If what Joyner is peddling seems like heresy -- he is, after all, slagging the winner of the 2011 Chuck Bednarik Award for outstanding defensive player of the year -- consider that Joyner studied film of LSU this offseason, focusing on the seven best offensive teams the Tigers faced in 2011. In those games, Joyner found that Mathieu was targeted 25 times and allowed 14 completions for 221 yards, an average of 8.8 yards per attempt. By comparison, Mathieu's teammate, Tharold Simon, was targeted 30 times and surrendered just 12 completions for 108 yards, an average of 3.6 yards per attempt.

Joyner's skepticism is shared by many NFL scouts. Says one: "He's made his name off instincts and amazing return skills. He's excellent at diagnosing plays and at covering stuff thrown in front of him. But the jury's out on him being able to run with and cover high-level receivers. He has a long, leggy body and a short torso, which makes him a wait-and-see prospect. And NFL teams don't spend first-round picks on corners who might not be able to cover."

http://espn.go.com/college-football/...-espn-magazine

[AsiaticSkinsFan]

undersized cornerback? nah, I'll pass


but I wouldnt mind dude as a later round pick for his return skills.

[#98QBKiller]

But can he cover an NFL wide receiver consistently? I've heard all about him being a playmaker, particularly in forcing fumbles, but I don't hear people describe him as a consistent cover corner and that's the most important part of a defensive backs game. That's not even taking into account the risk of giving a kid unable to stop involving himself with illegal drugs a large paycheck.

He's not a great cover corner. But he's fast, hits hard, forces fumbles and gets interceptions. If his baggage is no longer an issue, he's a great 3rd-4th round pick, especially with our secondary needs.

[G.A.C.O.L.B.]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,2109784.story

.......

That said, I would be a hypocrit if I tried to point my finger at a dude for smoking weed. It's not a violent crime, so I don't think it makes him a bad person.

See the issue isn't smoking weed and getting high. In and of itself. It's the fact that he has SO MUCH on the line and he can't stop himself. That is scary. That's the definition of a "red flag".


That said, one name: Brandon Banks. **** yeah ill take a 5th round flyer on dude. And if he can actually be a decent DB, even as just a nickle, all bonus then.

[757SeanTaylor21]

Why not have him as a ss/fs?

[stoney26]

Janoris Jenkins seems to be woking out pretty well in STL.

Are their games comparable?

[mboyd784]

I would take him over Brandon Banks right now.

[skinsfan07]

Why not have him as a ss/fs?

He's way too ****ing small. He's like 5'8. And he CAN'T COVER. Got exposed against Bama. He's a kr/pr/gadget guy at best.

[DeMarco Murray 29]

Janoris Jenkins seems to be woking out pretty well in STL.

Are their games comparable?

No. Jenkins was a shut down corner at Florida. He shut down Julio Jones, A.J. Green and the rest of the SEC.

Honey Badger was the 3rd best corner on his team!

Patrick Peterson > Mo Claiborne > Tharold Simon > ...... Honey Badger way over here lol.

He's going to be a luxury pick to a team in the 3rd/4th round. Throw him on a team like Baltimore, Pittsburgh, San Fran, he will be a stud. Throw him somewhere like Jacksonville, Kansas City, Philly, he will stink it up.

[757SeanTaylor21]

I mean bob sanders was around 5'8" all he would have to do is bulk up a little bit and have him in the box. He likes to hit has a nose for the ball and can play some db for the dime or quarter def.

[Reaper 21]

In football size ain't ****. Big players in little bodies all the time. Look at Green it's got nothing to do with size, it's about being a good player. I am Worried about his personality no dez Bryants please. But stop acting like the kid can't ball. Every year there this is this super talented Kidd that slipps because of attitudes, the real question for the HC is can you be sure your team is disciplined off the field. Some coaches can, some coaches can't. As well some players never grow up.

[LaxinFish29]

He has a good combine and Oakland takes him in the second or third....book it.