Deionte Thompson NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Arizona Cardinals' Pick

STRENGTHS

—Breakout player during 2018 season who started his Alabama career as a redshirt before playing special teams to earn a starting spot.

—Range and speed over the top allow him to blanket the field and take away deep routes in bracket coverage.

—Has ideal burst and speed to get to the ball midair. Can play single-high safety and reach any part of the field after locating the ball.

—Good read-and-react skills with rare instincts for a first-year player. Quick to diagnose the play and is rarely found out of position.

—Easy mover; light feet, loose hips and good overall speed.

WEAKNESSES

—No NFL Scouting Combine due to wrist surgery.

—Very lean build (6'1", 195 pounds) and needs to work on adding and maintaining strength.

—Only three career interceptions in college despite being billed as a center fielder with range and instincts.

—Missed tackles were notable and speak to concerns about his frame being too small to handle the pounding of an NFL season. Made a lot of business decisions and didn't bring heat when attacking the ball.

—One-year starter who needs reps and experience in coverage; Clemson notably went at him in the national title game and he was exposed on several plays.

Deionte Thompson Highlights

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OVERALL

Thompson is the most promising free safety prospect in the 2019 draft class, but there are legitimate concerns about his frame and the poor play showed against Clemson and Oklahoma in the playoffs. If he can add some bulk to his frame while maintaining his speed and range, teams should be excited by his potential as a top-50 selection.

GRADE 6.90 (ROUND 2—ROOKIE STARTER)

PRO COMPARISON: Devin McCourty