Tyrann ‘Honey Badger’ Mathieu claims he can cover Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson

Louisiana State defensive end Tyrann Mathieu catches a pass during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Both guys have great nicknames, but only on has actually done anything in an NFL jersey. However, and despite the fact that Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson just ran roughshod through the rest of the league, Tyrann Mathieu believes he can successfully cover the premier wide receiver in the game, according to NFL Spin Zone.

Guess that’s why they called the undersized, inexperienced Mathieu the ‘Honey Badger’.

The 2012 season was pretty simple: If Megatron wanted to do something, no one was going to stop him. The 6-foot-5, 239-pound Johnson set a single-season record with an insane 1,964 receiving yards, and he did so even though he spent most of the year facing at least two defenders every single play.

That does not matter to Mathieu. Neither does the fact that, at just under 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, he is giving a half of a foot in height and 50 pounds in sheer mass. Further, Mathieu has not stepped onto a football field for a real game since 2011 — he was kicked off of LSU after failing multiple drug tests and was forced to sit out the entire 2012 campaign.

“I feel like if I was to check somebody like a Calvin Johnson, he’ll make his plays, but I’m definitely going to get mine, too,” Mathieu said, via MLive.com. “He’s going to catch his five balls, but I’m going to get my two turnovers, so we’ll be even.”

Definitely a bold claim. However, the Honey Badger is not purely aggression and a loud mouth. Mathieu was very careful to praise Johnson as the game’s very best.

“You got to understand I have the ultimate respect for Calvin Johnson,” Mathieu tweeted. “He is a freak of an baller & the best in the game but I’m gon compete.”

Mathieu is not seen as a pure cover corner by NFL experts and scouts. Thus, he may not ever actually have a chance to cover Johnson 1-on-1 should whatever team that drafts him be facing off against the Lions.

But my oh my, it would be a really fun matchup to watch.

Because of the talent level of both guys, as well as being the ultimate matchup of nicknames.

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What do you think Gamedayrs?