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2017 NFL Draft Underrated Prospects: Carrington Thompson, Western Michigan

By Russell Brown

Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Carrington Thompson (15) runs the ball in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Carrington Thompson (15) runs the ball in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Carrington Thompson (15) runs the ball in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Western Michigan Broncos wide receiver Carrington Thompson (15) runs the ball in the first half against the Ohio Bobcats at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

In the shadows of Corey Davis in Kalamazoo, is another star in the making. His name is Carrington Thompson and he isn’t getting enough attention for the 2017 NFL Draft. Here’s his story, you be the judge.

Back in Houston, Texas, there was a star in the making at Lamar High School. Carrington Thompson was that star and during that time, he gained some attention in Texas. During his senior season, he had interest from Houston and Texas Tech but ultimately, he chose to play at Northwood University for two years. After those two years, he chose to transfer to Western Michigan where he would play for P.J. Fleck.

At Western Michigan, there was a saying called “Row the Boat”. Ultimately, that means to never give up and that’s exactly what Thompson did. He never gave up. His first season at Western didn’t go quite as planned. He finished with only 8 receptions, 89 yards and two touchdowns. However, he learned and grew as a player. Carrington, who has been playing football since the age of 6, kept working hard because of his love for the game. When I asked him to why he loves football, he said “the bond between my brothers. There’s nothing like building long term friendships with the people you grind with everyday.”

That bond and hard work, led to a breakout season in 2016. Carrington began to torch defenders with his skill-set that he describes as “twitchy, athletic and a natural pass catching red zone threat.” He finished the 2016 season with 42 receptions, 637 yards and 6 touchdowns. All of this came out of 72 total targets and 11 receptions coming from 20 yards or more. 

Strengths:

  • Good vertical receiver who can catch the ball at it’s highest point.
  • Quick routes and getting open in the middle of the field is when he’s at his best.
  • Uses his speed and elusiveness to get open.
  • Reliable receiver with good length at 6’2 and strong hands.

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The game that stood out the most, is the game that Carrington had a career high day. Against Eastern Michigan, he posted a stat line of 8 receptions, 177 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was constantly making plays in the secondary and was often the guy Zach Terrell looked when they needed a first down.

As Carrington approaches the 2017 NFL Draft, he continues to work hard. He works out at Gorham Performance in Vicksburg, Michigan. When he’s not working out, he’s constantly studying and breaking down the film of all wide receivers in the NFL. His personal favorite is A.J. Green while his favorite receiver is Julio Jones.

The main goal for Carrington at the next level is to become a dependable receiver for an NFL team. Whether that means he’s paired up with an elite receiver or if he becomes an elite receiver, he’s a team guy and is looking for his chance. Currently, he’s spoken to a few teams but he’s looking forward to making his name a well-known commodity at Western Michigan’s pro day on March 15th, 2017.

Weaknesses:

  • Lanky frame and only weighs about 170 pounds.
  • Rounds a lot of his routes – needs to sharpen them.
  • Needs to improve his release off the line of scrimmage.
  • Will struggle with bigger and physical cornerbacks.
  • Maintaining and improving his body control.

Despite knowing his biggest strength as a receiver is his hands and ability to go up and get the ball, Carrington admits that he needs to clean up his routes. That alone will make him an overall better receiver and help him achieve his goal as one of the league’s most dependable receivers.

Being from Houston, Texas, his favorite team is the Houston Texans and he would love to play for them but ultimately, he’d be a fit for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

Overall:

With the 2017 NFL Draft vastly approaching, Carrington has the ability to become one of the draft’s deep sleepers. He’s highly underrated and doesn’t get enough credit for the things he does right. Without question he’s a hard worker and hasn’t given up. When asked what one of his biggest hurdles to overcome in football was, he said “walking on to WMU, earning a scholarship at WMU and becoming the second leading WR.”

Certainly, he’s hidden in the shadows of Corey Davis but he’s beginning to emerge as the receiver he wants to become. His work is still cut-out for him though, he’s got to impress and prove that he should be drafted. I think he will and with that, Carrington should hear his name called in the 6th round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

When asked about what being underrated means, Carrington said, “working harder than the well-known players.” That’s exactly what he’s done his entire career and he will have to continue to do so if he wants to live up to the Taylor Gabriel comparison I have for him. Personally, I’d like to thank Carrington Thompson for taking the time to speak with me and I wish him the best in the NFL. Continue to Row the Boat and keep up the great work. Welcome to the league and welcome to The Underrated!

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