Grade
?6.73 SEC
Top Performer
- 5'9" Height
- 31" Arm Length
- 186LBS. Weight
- 9 3/8" Hands
Overview
Thompson is a short well built player with excellent quickness and agility in coverage. He can be explosive to breakpoints and shows good instincts to take proper angles to the ball. Thompson doesn’t possess great speed in pure man coverage but can be effective in combination man and zone schemes as well as a nickel back in sub packages. Thompson is physical enough to be an effective run support defender but his lack of height may hinder his ability to contest jump balls. He wasn’t as effective returning punts in 2009 but has legitimate return skills and can contribute in this area.
Analysis
Weaknesses
Lacks great height to contest taller receivers. Only possesses average hands and drops some catchable interceptions. Smaller size also hurts Thompson while defending the run, where he has difficulty shedding blocks. Only has average recovery speed when turning and running in man coverage.
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| Grade | Title | Draft (Round) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96-100 | Future Hall of Famer | Top Pick | A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 | Immediate Starter | 1st | An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 | Eventual Starter | 2nd-3rd | A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 | Draftable Player | 4th-7th | A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 | Free Agent | UDFA | A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |
