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2021 NFL Draft Profile: San Diego State S Tariq Thompson
Will Tariq Thompson hear his name get called at the NFL Draft?
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Taking a closer look at Tariq Thompson’s draft profile
Tariq Thompson signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Tariq Thompson has been a presence in the San Diego State secondary ever since he set foot on the field as a freshman. By the end of his first season with the Aztecs, Thompson had earned All-American honors from the FWAA and USA Today. He’s been a consistent ballhawk under both Rocky Long and Brady Hoke, with 11 interceptions throughout his college career. Wherever he ends up, he’s going to be a stud player for anyone grabbing him past the 5th round.
Measureables
https://twitter.com/RealD_Jackson/status/1367861493472104456
Strengths
Thompson is best when he can track the ball. He’s been able to capitalize on quarterback mistakes and takes care of the ball. Making others turn the ball over, he averaged three interceptions per season and forced five total fumbles as an Aztec. He is a strong player at the safety position and can develop more in the NFL.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein writes that “his ball production spanned all four seasons, so it’s a talent and not a fluke.”
Weaknesses
Much like Hall, it’s the over-the-top coverage. As a safety, he can offer the back end help, but when matched up against speed on the edge Thompson finds it hard to recover. At his size 6-ft, 210 lbs, he doesn’t have the full length to tackle stronger dudes at the next level. Thompson doesn’t have the athletic attributes scouts are looking at.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein writes that Thompson “loses contain duties more than he should” and that he has “average burst to shadow routes from break point.”
Draft Projection
No one projects Tariq Thompson to be drafted.
Tariq Thompson goes undrafted to the New York Giants as a free agent.
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