Grade: 75
6'4", 264, 4.75
Strengths: Plays with a wide base, is stouter than size indicates and can hold ground at the point of contact when plays with sound technique. Keeps head, shows good lateral mobility when scraping down the line of scrimmage and string plays out. Takes sound pursuit angles and closes down cutback lanes. Stays disciplined and generally does a good job of sniffing out misdirection. Has quick feet and flashes an effective swim move when rushing the passer. Gets good depth and reads the quarterback's eyes when asked to drop into zone coverage. Blocked a field goal attempt in 2004 and can contribute on special teams.
Weaknesses: Stands up too much coming out of stance, lacks elite size and can get driven back at this point. Lacks ideal lower body strength, gets engulfed by double teams and struggles when teams run right at him. Takes too long to shed blocks and can avoid blockers rather than stacking them up. Takes too long to locate the ball and occasionally gets caught out of position as a result. Shows good range as a run defender but appears to gear down when sees other defenders getting to the ball carrier and effort is somewhat inconsistent. Doesn't do a great job of anticipating the snap and is step slow getting off the ball at times as a result. Lacks ideal top-end speed and is going to have problems turning the corner at the NFL level. Doesn't always drive legs once in position and isn't a powerful bull rusher. Sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2005, slowed by a shoulder injury in 2006 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Thompson was an instant contributor when he arrived at Wake Forest, collecting 66 tackles (9.5 for losses) and two sacks in 33 games (19 starts) through his first three seasons (2004-'06). In 2005, he suffered an ACL tear in his left knee and missed the Demon Deacons' final three games, and in 2006 he was slowed by a shoulder injury in the team's last four games. As a senior in 2007, he had 46 tackles (11 for losses) and 6.5 sacks. For his career, Thompson also recorded two interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. Thompson projects as a fourth round pick because he doesn't have prototypical speed or explosiveness and he has had some problems staying healthy. However, he moves well for his size, he has the frame to bulk up and he doesn't make many mistakes so he could develop into an adequate starter or valuable backup.
6'4", 264, 4.75
Strengths: Plays with a wide base, is stouter than size indicates and can hold ground at the point of contact when plays with sound technique. Keeps head, shows good lateral mobility when scraping down the line of scrimmage and string plays out. Takes sound pursuit angles and closes down cutback lanes. Stays disciplined and generally does a good job of sniffing out misdirection. Has quick feet and flashes an effective swim move when rushing the passer. Gets good depth and reads the quarterback's eyes when asked to drop into zone coverage. Blocked a field goal attempt in 2004 and can contribute on special teams.
Weaknesses: Stands up too much coming out of stance, lacks elite size and can get driven back at this point. Lacks ideal lower body strength, gets engulfed by double teams and struggles when teams run right at him. Takes too long to shed blocks and can avoid blockers rather than stacking them up. Takes too long to locate the ball and occasionally gets caught out of position as a result. Shows good range as a run defender but appears to gear down when sees other defenders getting to the ball carrier and effort is somewhat inconsistent. Doesn't do a great job of anticipating the snap and is step slow getting off the ball at times as a result. Lacks ideal top-end speed and is going to have problems turning the corner at the NFL level. Doesn't always drive legs once in position and isn't a powerful bull rusher. Sustained a season-ending knee injury in 2005, slowed by a shoulder injury in 2006 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Thompson was an instant contributor when he arrived at Wake Forest, collecting 66 tackles (9.5 for losses) and two sacks in 33 games (19 starts) through his first three seasons (2004-'06). In 2005, he suffered an ACL tear in his left knee and missed the Demon Deacons' final three games, and in 2006 he was slowed by a shoulder injury in the team's last four games. As a senior in 2007, he had 46 tackles (11 for losses) and 6.5 sacks. For his career, Thompson also recorded two interceptions, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. Thompson projects as a fourth round pick because he doesn't have prototypical speed or explosiveness and he has had some problems staying healthy. However, he moves well for his size, he has the frame to bulk up and he doesn't make many mistakes so he could develop into an adequate starter or valuable backup.
