:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16763131/20130617_mjr_su5_029.0.jpg)
The ever energetic former NFL head coach Herm Edwards, the one of "you play to win the game!" fame, is now on of ESPN's insiders. With the approaching NFL season, he shared with the Internet world which rookies he is most looking forward to watching this season.
Arizona Cardinals third round pick, Tyrann Mathieu, makes his top five. Edwards is unabashed with his support of Mathieu.
It will be very interesting to see how Bruce Arians decides to use this youngster. I love his playmaking ability, and he has terrific hands and eyes -- two crucial aspects to playing cornerback. From what I've heard it sounds like the Cardinals may try him at safety to let him roam a little more and maximize his ability as a playmaker, but I worry about his ability to hold up -- and to make tackles consistently. At 5-foot-9, 186 pounds, he isn't even built like a Bob Sanders, and if they try to get him to put weight on, it could slow him down. If the Cardinals do play him at safety, they'll probably either keep him high or bring him down into the box to blitz. I see him more as a guy who should play 25-plus plays a game at the nickel spot and help on special teams this season. I think he has a chance to be a good player in this league.
The truth is, with the fame that Mathieu acquired while playing for LSU and, despite all the problems he had, he was one of the most well known college players just two seasons ago. That follows him. Add in the recovery factor and you have a guy that everyone, including national media will be following.
Who are Edwards' other guys? Montee Ball, Tavon Austin, Manti Te'o and Ezekiel Ansah.
We know who we will be watching more, but then again, we are Cardinals fans.
More from Revenge of the Birds:
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: Previewing the running backs
- Steve Keim won't acquire Steve Keim types of offensive linemen
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals training camp: Previewing the wide receivers
- Arizona Cardinals success with Bruce Arians would be changing history
- Adrian Wilson talks Patriots, Patrick Peterson, No. 24 with local radio
Keep up with Cardinals news and opinions when you are not on the site. Follow Revenge of the Birds on Twitter at @revengeofbirds and "like" us on Facebook. You can follow me individually at @senorjessroot.