One of the names being closely watched heading into the draft is that of ex-LSU Tiger safety Tyrann Mathieu. After adopting the nickname “Honey Badger” and taking college football by storm, Mathieu hit rock bottom and ended up getting kicked off the football team at LSU for failing multiple drug tests. Mathieu claims to have failed as many as ten tests while at LSU, but one test he didn’t fail took place at the NFL Combine back in March.
According to NFL Network’s Albert Greer, Mathieu passed his drug test in Indianapolis a month ago, which is a gigantic step in the right direction for the troubled young prospect.
Fairly significant development for him personally -- ex-LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu did indeed pass his combine drug test.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 23, 2013
Mahtieu has a lot of question marks entering the draft, but his skill set and his talent is something teams aren’t overlooking. Right now Mathieu is viewed as amid-round pick, but he could go as high as the late second, early third round the way players are slipping and sliding in the final days before the draft starts.
Teams like the Minnesota Vikings have an eye on Mathieu, and the New England Patriots are alway candidates to steal prospects like Mathieu right before someone who wants him can get him.
He can return the ball, he can play defense and he can help you win. The only question for Mathieu is can he keep his head on straight long enough to see any of that through? Mathieu’s passed drug test at the combine is a giant cup full of confidence and good faith that he can, or at least seems motivated enough to try.