Tyrann Mathieu Declares for the NFL Draft. But How Many More Times Will He Be Arrested Before April?

Tyrann Mathieu, the LSU defensive back who starred for the Tigers in 2011 before drugs derailed his college career this year, has declared for the 2013 NFL Draft.

The good news: He’s a playmaker. Whether it’s on special teams or in the secondary, Mathieu has a knack for making big plays. You know how Baltimore’s Ed Reed is always around the ball and in the middle of game-changing moments? That’s what Mathieu was doing in 2011.

The bad news: He’s 5-foot-9, which is short for a starting cornerback. Could he play safety? At just 180 pounds? Is he more of a slot corner? Those don’t get drafted early. Also, the drugs. Arrests. Can he stay out of handcuffs for the next five months? Will his pee be clean at the combine?

I’d say the range on Mathieu is anywhere from the 3rd round to undrafted. The Patriots need to improve their secondary. They’ll, as usual, have a dozen draft picks. Bill Belichick thinks he can reform anyone. Do the Pats take a chance on him in the 3rd round?

The last football game Mathieu played was in January, 2012. By the time the draft rolls around, Mathieu will have played one football game in about 16 1/2 months.

Previously: 2013 NFL Mock Draft, Thanksgiving Edition
Previously: Tyrann Mathieu, the Honey Badger, Kicked Off the LSU Football Team
Previously: Tyrann Mathieu Wants to Stay at LSU and Play in the 2013 Season, But Can He?
Previously: Tyrann Mathieu is in a Drug Rehab Facility in Houston