ESPN evaluation of Tyrann Mathieu

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Mathieu is an underrated defensive back with a good blend of range, athleticism and closing burst. A scheme versatile DB who may end up playing safety if his body continues to physically develop. Looks and plays taller on film than his listed measurables; has a longer, high-cut body. A turf eater who covers a ton of ground quickly on his pursuit. Has good top-end speed and acceleration. While his footwork and technique may need some polish, his good underneath burst and plant and drive skill are coveted for programs who employ a lot of cover 2 schemes. Flashes good explosion out of his pedal with sharp, direct pursuit angles on perimeter run and pass support without a lot of wasted motion. Breaks hard on the football and is a guy who can limit receiver YAC and set the edge on run support. Is a strong and secure tackler, particularly in the openfield. Competes for the football in deep coverage and demonstrates great timing and leaping skills. Overall ball skills are good but hands could use some polish. As he gets stronger, we like his potential as a press and bump and run corner. While he reads the quarterback well and soundly anticipates the pass, we would like to see him sink his hips more and play with improved knee bend to assist his transitional quicks. Hips and turns can be rigid at times and his ability to decrease receiver separation out their breaks may be tested at the next level, despite his good recovery burst and sharp footwork. Better playing/breaking on the ball in front of him than flipping his hips to run vertically. Just when you think he is a bit-straight lined he will impress you with his lateral fluidity as a return specialist; overall just a very good athlete who should only get better as he receives fulltime positional coaching on technique/footwork and continues to build up his leaner frame.

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He got rave reviews from Rivals guys about his ability to turn his hips, but ESPN says he's rigid. That they rely almost exclusively on film is one thing that ESPN needs to improve on. They haven't devoted enough resources to recruiting to be able to send scouts out across the country to see guys in person outside of one game every couple weeks that they broadcast on ESPNU along w/ the U/A game.

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