Tedric Thompson NFL Draft 2017: Scouting Report for Seattle Seahawks' Pick

 

Measurables

Height	Weight	40 Time	3-Cone	Short Shuttle
6'0"	204 lbs	4.60s	7.11s	4.36s

 

POSITIVES

A ball-hawking free safety with excellent size, Tedric Thompson is an energetic, aggressive player on defense. A three-year starter at Colorado, he is a versatile defender with the ability to play free or strong safety and even played some in the slot. Thompson showed off his ball skills in 2016, grabbing seven interceptions and notching 16 passes defensed.

Over the last two seasons combined, he had 10 picks and 37 passes defensed with 155 tackles. Thompson's instincts show up on film. He lives around the ball and is able to put himself into position to find and attack it with great placement and energy. His timing and his anticipation of routes are noticeable on film. A solid mid-round prospect, Thompson has the tools to become an NFL starter down the road. 

 

NEGATIVES

A lack of top-end athleticism makes Thompson questionable as an NFL starter. His 4.60 40 speed and 7.11 three-cone drill are below par for a single-high safety. A scary concussion in 2014 cut Thompson's season short and ended up with his hospitalization. He can play with too much aggression and be baited into mistakes off misdirection.

He'll get tunnel vision and can take false steps. Without the recovery speed to make up that ground, he's opening himself up to being burnt in the NFL. Widening his base as a backpedaler and learning to play with better balance will allow Thompson to more quickly transition and cover up his lack of pure speed.
  

PRO COMPARISON: Jordan Poyer, Buffalo Bills

FINAL GRADE: 6.20/9.00 (Future Starter—Round 3)

 

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