Tyrann Mathieu: How Does Marijuana Arrest Affect Draft Stock?

When the latest news broke of former LSU Tigers defensive back and 2011 Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu being arrested on a simple marijuana possession charge, people began to wonder — how does this affect the Honey Badger’s NFL Draft stock?

Mathieu was one of college football’s biggest stars coming in to the season but multiple failed drug tests led to his dismissal from the football program.

What was Mathieu’s next move?

In hopes of improving his image and working his way back to the LSU football team, Mathieu re-enrolled in classes for the spring semester at the university and entered a drug rehabilitation program. By all accounts, Mathieu was dedicated to returning to the team and was heart-broken that he was given the boot.

He has no one to blame to himself and the arrest just goes to show that Mathieu has a major problem. Continuing down this path could be devastating to his life so thinking about football during this time doesn’t seem right, but it’s what we are here to do.

Where does Mathieu go from here?

Character issues play a huge part in how a NFL team evaluates a player and no one in the upcoming draft class will come with as much baggage as Mathieu. At this point, he seems undraftable and it wouldn’t be surprising to hear teams are removing him from their draft boards.

The comparisons have come up between Mathieu and former Florida Gators defensive back Janoris Jenkins. However, there is a difference.

Jenkins redeemed himself by staying out of trouble after leaving Florida and proving himself on the football field at North Alabama. Jenkins worked his way back up draft boards and was eventually taken in the second-round by the St. Louis Rams.

Unfortunately for Mathieu, he hasn’t had the ability to see a football field this season and he has once against found himself in hot water. It is going to be a major turnoff for NFL general managers and the big wigs making decisions when the draft rolls around.

Mathieu has gone from a potential first-round pick to a likely undrafted free agent. But ask yourself, would you take a late-round flier on the Honey Badger?

There is no questioning his talent when he is on the field but he has given everyone a reason to believe you can’t trust him with the big money. Being kicked off the team for drug issues and being arrested a few months later with ten bags of marijuana in your apartment shows you have no accountability.

For Mathieu, he may never even be given a chance at seeing the NFL and it is a shame to see the talent potentially go to waste.

I would give Mathieu a shot but one more strike and it’s all over. You can’t deny the talent and sometimes the risk is worth the reward — especially when the reward is having a dynamic playmaker in your defensive backfield.

Would you give the Honey Badger a shot at making your team and would you draft him onto your squad? Explain why or why not in the comments section and let your voice be heard.