Could Tyrann Mathieu Interest New York Giants?


 

Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Tyrann Mathieu, better known as Honey Badger, was once considered one of the best defensive players in all of college football. However, he was dismissed from the LSU football team after violating team rules and later got into legal trouble when he was arrested for possession of marijuana.

None of that is stopping Mathieu from entering the 2013 NFL Draft, however. Mathieu had a stellar year in 2011, recording 74 tackles, forcing five fumbles, and grabbing two interceptions. He also returned two of his fumbles for touchdowns, and added another two touchdowns on punt returns. Mathieu went on to win the Chuck Bednarik Award for best defensive player in college football.

There will be plenty of NFL teams willing to take the chance on Mathieu. Some might be willing to use a first round pick on the talented but troubled youngster.

The New York Giants have shown in recent years that they are willing to take a chance on talented players regardless of their personal history. Defensive tackle Marvin Austin was suspended for his final year of college football. The Giants used a second round choice on him. Cornerback Jayron Hosley tested positive for marijuana but the Giants still selected him in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw slipped to the seventh round after character concerns. The precedent is there for the Giants.

The Giants’ secondary has shown drastic improvement this year after a bit of a rough start. But, there is always room for improvement and if the Giants have a chance to add a player of Mathieu’s talent then I see no reason why they shouldn’t.

Some of the players with character issues the Giants have brought in have gone on to be model citizens. Tom Coughlin runs a tight ship and the players have a great deal of respect for him.

For the Giants, Mathieu might be worth a third round investment depending on who is still available at positions of need. Adding Mathieu could be a double boost for the Giants who still need help returning punts where Rueben Randle has been good but not great.

This could be worth watching.



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