2012 Possible Atlanta Falcons Draft Pick Profile: DT Brandon Thompson

Brandon Thompson

Defensive Tackle

Clemson University

Combine Measurements

Height: 6’2” Weight: 314 pounds

Arm Length: 33-1/2" Hand Measurement: 10"

40 yard dash: 5.20 sec. 20 yard split: 2.85 sec. 10 yard split: 1.77 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.71 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.97 sec. Bench Reps: 35 reps

Vertical Jump: 31.0" Broad Jump: 8'4"

Stats

2008 - 12 Games, 0 Games Started, 16 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble

2009 - 13 Games, 13 Games Started, 27 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss

2010 - 13 Games, 11 Games Started, 41 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sacks

2011 - 14 Games, 14 Games Started, 47 Tackles, 8.0 Tackles for Loss, 3.0 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble

Scouting Report

Strengths

He has top-notch size, at 6’2” and 314 pounds, and strength. He gets great leverage and explodes out of his stance low and fast. He is the ideal one gap defensive tackle and controls his man in his pass rush.

He doesn’t get pushed off the line in the running game and is arguably the best penetrator in the draft this year. He was a three-year starter, is highly experienced in a one gap 4-3 defense and should be an excellent fit for a 4-3 or 3-4 one gap scheme.

Weaknesses

He has issues with technique in both run and pass blocking that can be refined. He also isn’t completely filled out in his frame and could end up around 325-330 pounds when he is finally bulked out. He also would have a lot of issues in a two gap defense.

Overview

Thompson is one of the most refined defensive tackles in the draft and has the lowest floor of any tackle, as he should at least be a solid contributor. He is a first-round prospect in any other year, but this is an abnormally deep draft for DT’s.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Atlanta would take him, and he could compete right away for the starting spot at nose tackle with Corey Peters or even force Peters to the under tackle role. At the absolute least, he would end up as a rotational DT for the Falcons.