6′ 2″ 311 • Defensive Tackle • Clemson
Pros:
- Very strong and well built
- Very sudden; Quick for his size
- Changes directions with ease; Lateral agility to move up and down LOS
- Times snaps well
- Strong hands; Sheds blockers well
- Anchors well; Doesn’t get rocked back
- Great in run defense
- Get’s “skinny” through gaps
- Solid play recognition skills
Cons:
- Lacks any true pass rushing moves
- Can get too tall coming out of snap
- Not a 3 down DT
- Doesn’t adapt well; If initial move is blocked, then he’s done
- Technique needs refining
- Tad shorter than you would like
MockDraft 101′s Opinion:
- Thompson will catch your eye on tape due to his quick first step and overall athletic ability. You would like to see him become more of a pass rusher due to his quickness but really lacks any true moves (swim,bull) to get to the QB. He’s much better in run defense and an ideal 4-3 DT, although because of his quickness, can easily transition to the 3-4. Teams might be turned off of him because he is most likely not a 3-down lineman at the next level.