Feb 25, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers defensive back Tyrann Mathieu participates in a pass catching drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The artist formerly known as the “Honey Badger” had a mixed bag of results

finishing up the combine. He stepped up during the interview process and said everything that people want to hear. He is a changed man and isn’t going to hide anything from the past.

Then he stepped to the bench press and could only managed an embarassing 4 reps. Mathieu recognized the weakness and said that he needs to get into the

weight room and it will be something he focuses on going forward.

To be fair, he focused in mostly on speed and should have probably skipped the bench press just like Manti Te’o did. But the kid wasn;t going to hide anything. He clocked in at 4.43 in the 40 and looked good in positional drills.

He could be a risk to draft, but he could be a steal in the later rounds. I wouldn’t mind taking a risk on him in the 4th. If we could get another 3rd, I would jump all over it.

November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Ole Miss Rebels running back Randall Mackey (1) carries the ball past LSU Tigers linebacker Kevin Minter (46) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

LSU, Linebacker
6-foot-1, 245 pounds

Checking in on a few more players in the second round that the Chargers should keep their eye on for the combines. Kevin Minter, out of LSU, is a prospect that could be taken late in the first round, but could be available for the San Diego Chargers in the second round.

He is a sure-tackler, very instinctive and knows how to read the quarterback. He knows hot to time his blitzes and could work well in the middle, pairing with Donald Butler. We all know that Takeo Spikes is a few steps too slow these days. Spikes likely won’t be on the roster next season, unless he takes less money and a smaller role. He is a leader in the locker room and on the field, but he is getting up there in age.

Adding a player like Minter would be a nice addition to the front seven. There would be a nice group of youth and athleticism to add with Melvin Ingram, Jarret Johnson, Corey Liuget, Kendall Reyes and Butler.

Minter may fall to the second round of the draft because he lacks the size of most middle linebackers. He is not a masher either. He isn’t going to blow up a fullback and then make the tackle on the runningback.

Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE

The Honey Badger will enter the 2013 NFL Draft and could be a huge risk/reward type candidate for a team in need of a corner and return specialist. Tyrann Mathieu showed that he is an explosive playmaker last season with LSU, but he was suspended for the season for a substance abuse issue. He was also arrested last month on a possession of marijuana charge. He has his issues off the field but is explosive on the field.

If AJ Smith is still calling the shots as GM for the team, there is no way that we would bring on someone with that background onto the roster. AJ wants to have high character players all over the roster. He seems a fit for a team like the Lions, Raiders or Bengals, but there will be teams that will want his tremendous talent on the field.

Would you take a chance on the Honey Badger?

There is no way that I could risk a first round draft pick on a player with that background, but if he is still around in the third or even the second, let me get after him. Antoine Cason and Quentin Jammer are both free agents. We probably will bring Jammer back so that he can close out his career here and he could be a good veteran to show him the ropes in the NFL. Learn a season from Jammer and then play alongside Shareece Wright in the secondary.

Honey Badger?