BASF":ji4u5gij said:
As a huge Russell Wilson fan, and watching him overcome his short comings, it is hard to type this, but Mathieu is going to struggle covering NFL receivers on the outside. He is listed at 5'9", but I suspect he is actually a little shorter. He has a great vertical leap, but in the NFL you are playing against bigger faster receivers and QB's who know how to exploit a smaller CB. He may very well be a great CB to play against slot receivers, but on the outside you may be looking at Kelly Jennings ver2. It is possible that he hadn't maxed out his height his freshman season, but I don't think I would trust him covering big receivers.
Kelly Jennings wasn't short. He was bad at football. He was 5' 11".
Short corners can play in the NFL. But they have to be feisty as hell, have some long arms, be willing to tackle, and play the ball in the air like a freak.
Brent Grimes was 5' 9" coming out, 177. Brandon Flowers was 5' 9" too. Tim Jennings 5' 8". All can play outside. Grimes and Jennings have recent Pro Bowls.
Not like you want a short corner playing across from Calvin Johnson all the time, but short corners can thrive in the NFL. Not common but not the least bit unheard of.
I think the bigger question is if he has the ball skills to play outside, which is what you were really referring to when you mentioned Kelly Jennings. He's a very physical tackler from what I've seen/read and has plenty of attitude. If he can run with guys he'll probably make it in the NFL. This is of course ignoring any of the other "issues" he has. Gotta show he's willing to mature.
Not to mention he'd be interesting prospect at free safety. Back up to Earl/nickel corner anybody?
Plus I just feel like he'd add just that little extra in-your-face-ittude to our already trash talking secondary.
Mid to late round pick I wouldn't mind. Like 4th on. Maybe earlier if he tests well at the combine and seems to have things together.