Dez Bryant: Tyrann Mathieu is best player in NFL draft
Dez Bryant is not an NFL general manager. But the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver does know a thing or two about being a prospect who is a lightning rod for attention. Bryant has an affinity for those kind of guys.
A lot of great players in this draft but @Mathieu_Era is the best player in the draft.. You can say whatever you want about him #gamechanger
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 25, 2013
@Mathieu_Era, of course, is former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu. (Perhaps Bryant is the one who made that party poster.) Dez apparently got some negative feedback on his evaluation.
Damn I didn't know I couldn't have an opinion... people are funny lol
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) April 25, 2013
Mathieu's talent level is up for debate. Yes, he's a "playmaker." But does he have the skill set to be a quality cover cornerback? His initial role should be in the slot as a nickel corner. That's essentially a starting position in the NFL.
Bryant is entitled to his opinion, but we don't think it's all off-field concerns that is moving Mathieu down the boards. Even if Mathieu had a "clean" resume, there's no guarantee he would be a first-round draft pick. Bryant, on the other hand, would have been a top-five pick if not for his red flags.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.