Brenen Thompson NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Los Angeles Chargers WR

Damian ParsonDec 4, 2025

The Los Angeles Chargers selected Mississippi State WR Brenen Thompson with the No. 105 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Brenen Thompson is one of the fastest and most explosive receivers in the draft. He epitomizes the phrase "field stretcher."

Thompson is a former high school sprinter who won the Silver medal in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.4. He won the Gold medal in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.27 as a Junior. Thompson is a threat to blow by most cornerbacks with or without a free release.

Beginning his career with the Texas Longhorns, he was a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class. Thompson transferred to Oklahoma before landing with Mississippi State and has enjoyed a breakout season.

Dame Parson is the lead host of the Locked On NFL Draft podcast. He also serves as co-host of the Scouting Room NFL Podcast alongside Daniel Harms.

Highlights

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Scroll down for the full scouting report.

Where He Wins

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- Thompson easily takes the top of the defense with his elite deep speed. He has the acceleration to shift gears and keep cornerbacks on their toes. Whether facing press man or zone coverage, he is a threat to get over the top in a hurry. His acceleration is electric and instantaneous.

- The former 4-star recruit is a gifted stop/start mover. He decelerates and recelerates with great suddenness to make the defense pay if caught napping. Thompson is effective at running double moves like stutter-and-go, out-and-up, etc.

- He is a fluid mover with great change-of-direction ability. This shows up in his route running. Thompson will break off his route suddenly to generate enough space for his quarterback. After the catch, he makes defenders miss with his lateral agility.

- Thompson displays the movement skills and release intelligence to defeat press corners quickly. His use of the hands helps clear the corners of his hands in the contact window, creating easier paths into his routes. His lateral agility and short-area quickness make it difficult for corners to land their punches and to reroute him.

- Mississippi State's leading receiver uses the fear of his speed wisely. Selling the vertical routes and pushing the cornerback up the field, opening a pocket to sink into on hitches, curls, and comeback routes.

Areas of Improvement

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- Thompson is good about being hard to touch at the line of scrimmage. If bigger corners get their hands on him, route timing will be disrupted. Winning early in reps or being aligned off the ball will be critical for his NFL success against man coverage.

- He is a smaller wide receiver with limited mass on his frame. This can lead to injuries and questions regarding his ability to hold up at the next level.

- Mississippi State's top pass-catcher's limited frame creates other issues with playing through contact and winning contested catches. He has a small catch radius and will struggle to pluck the ball with a cornerback in his hip pocket.

- Thompson gives high effort in the run game as a blocker. His blocks are not sustainable due to his frame and lack of ideal play strength. Teams should stray away from using him as a lead blocker on the perimeter; defenders will overpower him at the POA. Potentially blowing up the progress of the play design.