Darian Thompson NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Giants Rookie

POSITIVES

A three-down playmaker for Boise State, Darian Thompson made his presence felt all over the field. Thompson posted five interceptions in 2015—running his career total to 19—and had 8.5 tackles for loss. A true dual-threat, Thompson notched 15 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles in his career.

He is a playmaker, but he’s also solid in coverage and when blanketing tight ends or wide receivers from center field. He’s instinctive and rangy, and he has the closing speed to run alleys to make an impact with the ball before or after the catch.

In the run game, Thompson is a dependable tackler with a great ability to locate the ball. He moves downhill with authority and hits the ball with power behind his pads. Boise State was able to move Thompson around and use him as a matchup player thanks to his versatile skill set, and NFL teams should be able to do the same.

NEGATIVES

Short-armed (30 ⅜”) on a tall frame, Thompson doesn’t wow you with testing numbers. He’s an average athlete with limited hip pop when turning to run deep and would be best in a two-deep safety set where he’s not asked to cover the entire field.

Undisciplined plays on Thompson’s watch will be discussed when scouts gather to view the film. His deep coverage—especially over the top—was susceptible to double moves. Thompson bites hard on play action and will jump at the first break in the route. That style allowed him to grab those 19 interceptions in college, but you worry if he has the recovery speed to be a gambler in the NFL. His college tape didn’t show it.

When you look at Thompson’s flaws, you see some freelancing and tight hips that hold him back when he’s breaking out of his pedal. Those issues can be limiting and may be enough to drive one of the most productive safeties in the draft down the board behind less-established athletes.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 208 lbs.

40 Time: 4.34s

3-Cone: 7.10s

Short Shuttle: 4.41s

PRO COMPARISON: Aaron Williams, Buffalo Bills
FINAL GRADE: 6.75/9.00 (Round 2—Future Starter)