6. Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of versatility…
Tyrann Mathieu already made a list like this here at Touchdown Wire, when we named him one of the league’s best slot defenders. Mathieu saw 561 snaps in the slot last year, and as Doug Farrar highlighted, he was a force in that role:
. .When he was in the slot, there was no more effective defender in the league last season. Mathieu allowed 42 slot receptions on 61 targets for just 297 yards, 174 yards after the catch, one touchdown, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 69.1.
Mathieu is able to do so many things at such a high level because he has somehow managed to combine the ideal traits for multiple positions — he has the quickness to excel in the slot, the range to play two-deep safety, the aggressiveness to face up to the run in the box, and his diagnostic abilities make him nightmare fuel for receivers all over the field. If you want to see the ideal slot guy — not to mention the best five-tool pass-defender in the game — look no further than the Honey Badger.
But Mathieu also saw over 500 snaps at safety, and he more than deserves to be recognized for his contributions from that spot on the field. Specifically, Mathieu saw 388 snaps down in the box, and another 205 snaps in a deep safety alignment.
And when a guy can do this in the box, against one of the league’s more talented QBs:
Oh, nothing. Just a play where Tyrann Mathieu fakes a blitz, drops to cover Deshaun Watson's first read, then covers his second read, then forces the scramble out of bounds.
Doesn't get credit for any stat here but holy crap. pic.twitter.com/qSeL4FWtfI
— Sam Mellinger (@mellinger) January 15, 2020
Or do this as a Robber:
Tyrann Mathieu with the INT! 🍯🦡#KCvsLAC | #MNF
(via @NFL)
— PFF (@PFF) November 19, 2019
You are talking about greatness. As Farrar described him, a true five-tool player.