During the first series of the Arizona Cardinals' Week 1 matchup with the New Orleans Saints last season, Tyrann Mathieu played at the nickel back position on first down versus a bunch formation. On second down, Mathieu rolled to the deep middle of the field -- as a true free safety -- for a play. Third down? Mathieu aligned in the box, right off the ball, as a run-stopper. That drill continued throughout the game -- and the season, really -- until Mathieu went down with a knee injury.
This guy isn't a safety, or a corner, or a nickel, or a even a dime linebacker. Mathieu is a monsterback, the new hybrid player in the NFL. Play the pass. Play the run. Blitz. Win matchups in space. Find the ball. Finish. Tackle. These cats are physical, fast and play-making chess pieces in the game plan. And every team is looking for one.
Mathieu is the top monsterback in today's game, but who else makes the cut? And which defensive rookies are on deck, the future studs with the size, speed and matchup ability? Let's rank the top monsterbacks in both categories.
Top veterans
1. Tyrann Mathieu, Arizona Cardinals: Cover a top receiver? Check. Drop down to blitz? Yep. Show the range to play over the top of the defense? You got it. Mathieu's versatility is off the charts. And his play-making skills are ridiculous. Always around the ball, Mathieu is a coach's dream.