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Darian Thompson, S , Boise St.: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

Sep 6, 2014; Boise, ID, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Kyle Plum (26) is taken down by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) during the first quarter verses the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Boise, ID, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Kyle Plum (26) is taken down by Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) during the first quarter verses the Boise State Broncos at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to safety play in the NFL, a number of components are in consideration when it comes to fulfilling a need for a team. Versatility, football IQ, range, tackling ability, and field awareness are just a few qualities that a team rely on to select whichever safety fits their criteria. The clear cut #1 safety in the entire draft is Florida State’s Jalen Ramsey. However, the debate of who comes in second is still relatively fresh.

Playmakers such as Jalen Mills of LSU, Jeremy Cash of Duke, Vonn Bell of Ohio State all have their name in the conversation. Personally, my #2 overall safety is Darian Thompson of Boise State. Here is the scouting report on the underrated Thompson.

Height: 6’3

Weight: 210

Strengths: Elite height/weight measurements…..Top-notch instincts on the back-end of the defense, ideal for Cover 2 & Cover 3 coverage…..Outstanding ball skills with 17 career interceptions and tied for second in career interceptions in Mountain West Conference history…..Displayed versatility in his four seasons; seeing time at strong safety, free safety, and cornerback….Savvy defensive back, reads/studies opponents’ route combinations and puts himself in the right position to defend the play…..Provides solid run support, not hesitant to read, react, and make the play…..Physical safety, provides a ‘pop’ to ball carriers…..With size, provides favorable matchups against tight ends and big wide receivers…..45 games under his belt at Boise State….Reads the eyes on the quarterback very consistently.

Nice video that contains a number of qualities that Thompson possesses. At the 2:03 mark, Thompson is sitting in zone coverage, makes a break after the receiver reels in a catch and stops the play for a small gain before the WR gains momentum.

At 2:43 mark, a sound play by Thompson who reads a handoff and shoots a really good angle to make the tackle for a one-yard gain.

Weaknesses: Despite being one of my favorite prospects in the entire draft, Thompson does have some flaws.  One noteworthy flaw is his technique in the tackling department. He has the size to lower the boom at times however, Thompson doesn’t always resort to making the tackle instead of lowering the shoulder.

Thompson also doesn’t display much hip fluidity in his breaks. At times, takes wrong angles when providing run support.

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Bottom line: To sum up my perspective on Thompson, I will simply say: He is underrated. What Thompson brings is versatility as well as a knack for a big play per game. Viewing his tape, he has shown qualities of a free safety (range, ball skills, good instincts) as well as strong safety (Aggressive, solid run support, size).

Over the past couple of months, Thompson has quietly climbed his way into first round discussions. A good Senior Bowl allowed that climb to happen and a great Combine will further solidify it. The dilemma now is where will Thompson be placed. He has the experience at both safeties and can make a legitimate argument for both. Whoever drafts Thompson will get an excellent defensive back with years of Pro Bowl and other accolades in his career path.

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