Kiper tabs Hunter, Mathieu in mock – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

I’m on board with Hunter, but I think Mathieu would be a fascinating strategic choice that I’m not sure I agree with. No doubt he’s a electric player, but after seeing the trouble Patrick Chung had holding up inside in the NFL, I’m concerned about the wiry Mathieu.

But from a defensive package standpoint how would the Pats employ Mathieu? They just locked Kyle Arrington in on a four-year deal, and it’s apparent his best fit is in the slot, though he is serviceable and experienced on the outside. 

So you’re looking at Mathieu competing with Arrington, but more likely to take a dime slot role. Is that worth a second-round pick? I’m not so sure. And even if he supplants Arrington, that sure doesn’t make his long-term contract look like a good one.

I like Mathieu as a player, I just don’t think I see real value in him for the Pats unless they got him in the 4th round.