Tyrann Mathieu has had some ups and downs but at the end of the day, he achieved his goal of being drafted in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals selected him in round three of the 2013 NFL Draft and have moved him to safety as camp opens.

The safety transition is something I predicted here: Tyrann Mathieu Declares for the 2013 NFL Draft

I think that all in all Tyrann projects to a safety on the next level more than a corner. A comparison would be Ed Reed who really doesn’t have a position or scheme responsibility he’s allowed to just make plays. Mathieu has that kind of ability and would be better used in a similar role.

See the video above to hear Tyrann’s words on his new transition and how’s life so far in the NFL.

The week opened a little bit weird for the “Honey Badger.” He tweeted out a club flyer for a first round draft pick party. Obviously tons of NFL Players use their images for club appearances, but you have to question if this is a little bit too soon?

During the draft we saw Tyrann looking uneasy during the first and second rounds. Maybe he shouldn’t have pressed those party flyers up so quickly. But then, the moment happened:

He looks the part of a man who’s rehabilitated but we all know rehabilitation is a ongoing process. Even if Tyrann has to submit to multiple drug tests, there is still no telling when he’s going to get weak and fall of the wagon, if ever.

Is this the type of player you spend a third round draft pick on?

Talent aside? No. Especially not if the 10 plus failed drug tests are true (source: Yahoo.) He’s a nice corner and will be a special team contributor from day one but as I’ve said: what will happen when he gets that urge? Who’s going to be there? What’s his fall back? Who’s his support system?

The Cardinals have drafted Kevin Minter as well from LSU and already have Patrick Peterson on the roster. From the outside looking in, this is going to create a “family” vibe for Tyrann but I have to beg the question hasn’t he already let this family down once before?

Tyrann can be a great player but it’s tough to predict what is going to happen when he falls into that dark place. Can he find his way to the other side?

Only Tyrann knows deep down inside what he’s going to do when his old habits call him. There are no amount of former LSU buddies that will stop his decision. Trust me, the decision is already made.

The Arizona Cardinals are hoping that he will truly turn the corner.

Since then Tyrann has been on a redemption tour and has put the past behind him. He claims to have kicked the marijuana habit and has stayed out of the club during his rehab.

That is until now. According to BSO Tyrann tweeted out a club flier for a “1st Round Draft Pick Party.” Only problem is that Tyrann will not be picked in the first round. He obviously feels different.

It seems like he’s just having fun out here. Until he fails another drug test let’s give him the benefit of the doubt.

According to reports Mathieu has made public his intentions to declare and enter the draft when he is eligible to do so in a few weeks. I believe this is a great decision. It gives him a goal, hopefully keeps him focused on the game and not the other stuff, and gives him time to start the character reclamation process now.

ESPN pundits Mel Kiper and Todd McShay said today that Mathieu is a late third-early fourth round type prospect. That sounds about right. With the way Tyrann plays it is hard to project him to an NFL scheme as a 5’9 170 lbs press corner. Has there ever been a press corner his size to make it?

I think that all in all Tyrann projects to a safety on the next level more than a corner. A comparison would be Ed Reed who really doesn’t have a position or scheme responsibility he’s allowed to just make plays. Mathieu has that kind of ability and would be better used in a similar role.

I personally project Tyrann Mathieu between the fifth round to undrafted because of all the off the field issues. He has first round talent, but will a team take a gamble on a guy who may or may not have his personal demons in check? We’ll see.

If it isn’t weed, it’s partying and violating your NCAA eligibility… I just have to shrug my shoulders at this whole situation.

Hopefully Tyrann learns from this and bounces back sooner rather than later:

Yesterday, Tyrann Mathieu was one of four former LSU players arrested by Baton Rouge Police Department officers on marijuana-related charges. The latest problem officially eliminated any talk — realistic or not — of Mathieu ever returning to LSU as a football player — or as a football player at the collegiate level for that matter.

On Friday, Mathieu, former quarterback Jordan Jefferson and former defensive back Derrick Bryant were released from jail while Karnell Hatcher remained behind bars.

My advice to Tyrann remains the same: move out of Lousiana.

The Mathieu family took to the waves today to make it known that the story was “fabricated.” I don’t know how much you can fabricate from actual evidence of the flyer and a video of him at the event but with further adieu here goes the video.

Decide for yourself:

Tyrann has been sitting this season out from college football due to personal issues but it seems like he may not be able to return to the college ranks if and when he decides to come back. Tyrann will probably lose his eligibility due to allowing his image to be used on a club flyer. This is the same issue UNC WR Dwight Joness ran into a year ago. No NCAA player is permitted to allow his image to be used in promotion of any kind of commercial (money making) activity.

It’s another break of bad news for Tyrann who is just trying to live as normal a life as possible under the microscope and maintain his potential as a future NFL star. If Tyrann came to YA BOY for advice I’d tell him to do one thing and one thing only:

move out of Louisiana.

Move out of Texas, Louisiana, etc. wherever he’s been living at lately and go far, far, away from the people who he’s surrounding himself with. I am sure there are multiple agents that wouldn’t mind helping him move and train for the NFL Draft.

The last thing he needs right now is the distractions and expectations from those he’s around right now. Move, work on yourself, and secure your future. This seems like a bit harsh advice over some club pics but that’s today. Today it’s club pics. Yesterday it was drugs. Who knows what will happen tomorrow. Sometimes if you want to prosper you have to leave the homies at home.

(H/T: BSO)

Photos below:

Source: OCNNReport

Now that he is out of counseling and rehab it looks like the Honey Badger will be coming back to LSU….

….as a student.

Tyrann Mathieu enrolling at LSU tomorrow per father Tyrone

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) September 3, 2012

H/T BSO

Despite reports that Tyrann Mathieu was going to McNeese State, word is that he will sit out all year and possibly (still) attempt to come back to LSU.

Following a visit to McNeese State shortly after his dismissal, and with his name connected to at least a couple of other FCS-level programs, it was reported that Mathieu wanted to sit out the 2012 and pursue for a potential return to LSU.

While Mathieu was dismissed, the school’s policy allows for a potential return, although it remains unclear whether the football program will be interested in a Honey Badger v2.0.

LSU has said Matheiu isn’t welcome on the football team but we’ll see how strong their stance is if they miss the championship game.