Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu had a mixed NFL Scouting Combine performance. While he exceeded expectations in the interview room and on the field, Mathieu only managed an embarrassing four reps in the bench press on Monday.
To his credit, the artist formerly known as "Honey Badger" realizes it's his biggest weakness. "Definitely, I want to work on my bench," Mathieu told NFL Network on Tuesday when asked which area of his game needs the most work. "I'm not one of those guys who gets stronger in the weight room. ... but it's something I will focus on going forward."
Leading up to the combine, Mathieu understandably concentrated on his 40-yard dash technique and on polishing up a tarnished reputation. But now, it's apparent he needs to hit the weight room, so his body can match his reputation for toughness and physicality on the field.
Perhaps most surprisingly, the under-sized playmaker revealed that NFL teams are not looking at him purely as a slot cornerback.
"They basically said they want me to play on the field, whether it's nickel, whether it's outside cornerback, and the return game," Mathieu said. "But I feel like I'm an elite prospect. ... I make the same plays those bigger guys make. And I think I'm more physical than those guys."
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