15 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Scout.com Q&A: http://recruiting.sc...d=2998279&fhn=1

ProFootballWeekly:http://cache.profoot...an-thompson-33/

Positives:Intriguing size and speed — ran the fastest 40-time amongst safeties at the Combine. Relaxed, patient pedal. Able to carry receivers and tight ends down the field. Supports the run aggressively. Can run and hit (physical tackler) and closes fast when he sees it. Covers ground. Catches well to intercept. Solid football character.

Negatives: Very small hands. Average eyes and instincts. Slow processor — does not cue off keys and reacts instead of anticipating. Takes some questionable angles in pursuit. Does not navigate clutter or work off blocks cleanly. Could improve tackling technique. Shows stiffness in transition and change of direction. Faced marginal competition. Intensity leaves something to be desired. Vertical leap (311⁄2 inches) and 3-cone drill (7.34 seconds) were tied for lows among defensive backs at the Combine. Could require patience comprehending complex schemes. Was immature as a younger player and needs to prove he’s dependable.
Summary:

An SEC transfer with very good straight-line speed, Thompson plays slower than he times and was not an impactful playmaker at the FCS level. Has potential to help on special teams and could be tried as a nickel linebacker. Might require time to develop.

[BSLChrisStoner]

That is what I like to see; intriguing size and speed.

[SportsGuy]

Transferred fom Auburn.

Ed Reed has been mentoring him.

[BSLChrisStoner]

NFL.com: http://m.nfl.com/com...stian-thompson/

Times & Democrat: http://thetandd.com/...19bb2963f4.html

Mock drafts over the Internet has the 6-0, 211-pound Thompson getting chosen between the fourth and seven rounds and ranked among this year’s draft’s top five safeties. ESPN’s Todd McShay has Thompson getting selected in the sixth round by the Tennessee Titans, one of four teams which have reportedly expressed heavy interest.

ESPN’s profile of Thompson gave him an “exceptional” score for his durability in starting 23 consecutive games with the Bulldogs and rated him “above average” for his college production, run support and speed. Thompson had the fastest 40-yard dash time of any safety at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

Most recently, Thompson’s agent set up a meeting with Baltimore All-Pro Ed Reed who gave him simple advice about how to handle NFL life.

“Stay humble, stay hungry and save your money,” Thompson said.

Once with a team, Thompson is hungry to get started and make a positive impact.

“The immediate impression I want to present is I don’t want them look at me as someone who came from a smaller school,” he said. “I want them to see I fit right in with their system and there’s not a dropoff.”

[BSLChrisStoner]

Ourlads.com: http://www.ourlads.c...e-ratings/2012/

[ravens8589]

I feel like this could be a big find. Right attitude and who better to learn from than Ed Reed? I love it.

[SportsGuy]

Scouting reports seem to like him yet he sounds like a little bit of a reach.

I like this draft but don't love it. Seems like the Ravens are prioritizing need over bpa this year.

This isn't the overwhelming, great draft you normally feel like you get with Ozzie.

[BSLChrisStoner]

National Football Post: http://www.nationalf...l&player=100042

Their 2nd rated FS.

"Possesses a well-built frame with a V-cut and carries his weight well. He can cleanly turn out of his transition and has solid speed when trying to run with speedy receivers from the slot. Now, he does get a bit leggy at times and doesn't have a great feel recognizing routes in man. Even when he puts himself in position to make plays, he doesn't consistently make the play due to his initial struggles locating the football.

He will throw his body around in the run game as well. Generates some violent collisions and can breakdown and take solid angles.

He's a good athlete who can run, change directions and overall has the skill set to at least roll the dice on in the mid-later round range to see if he can develop.

Impression: He's a good athlete who has some talent. Needs to do a better job finding the football, but can change directions and has some speed to his game as well when tracking the football."

[ravens8589]

Scouting reports seem to like him yet he sounds like a little bit of a reach.

I like this draft but don't love it. Seems like the Ravens are prioritizing need over bpa this year.

This isn't the overwhelming, great draft you normally feel like you get with Ozzie.

They have no choice this year. We have more holes than usual. Can't go BPA when you have major holes to fill, it will just bring the team down. I went into this draft expecting need picks and not BPA. We had no depth at safety so we had to draft one. Needed a center, drafted one. We had to do this. It may not be overwhelmingly exciting, but it had to be done.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I feel like this could be a big find. Right attitude and who better to learn from than Ed Reed? I love it.

Can't teach size and speed. That is what I like. I'd like to hear he was a bit more of a ball-hawk. If he gets in the film room with Reed, that will only help.

[SportsGuy]

They have no choice this year. We have more holes than usual. Can't go BPA when you have major holes to fill, it will just bring the team down. I went into this draft expecting need picks and not BPA. We had no depth at safety so we had to draft one. Needed a center, drafted one. We had to do this. It may not be overwhelmingly exciting, but it had to be done.

I don't disagree and I like all the players they took...but could they have taken later?

OTOH, maybe no one wanted to trade...maybe they thought those guys would be gone...maybe they don't love this draft at this point?

[BSLChrisStoner]

They will use him against all the TE's around the league now.

[ravens8589]

I don't disagree and I like all the players they took...but could they have taken later?

OTOH, maybe no one wanted to trade...maybe they thought those guys would be gone...maybe they don't love this draft at this point?

I have said it many times. While this is a deep draft, it's not deep with overwhelming talent. I think Ozzie believes some of these players would have been taken before they picked. I said the same thing about the Gradkowski pick. It's tough to know exactly what's going on.

[SportsGuy]

Harbaugh said he has good size...big hitter.

[ravens8589]

Can always tech a guy how to read QB's and break on the ball, but you can't teach size and speed.

[Thyrl]

I spoke to Christian on 3/19 about the draft. He was truly one of the better guys I got the chance to talk with this draft season. The audio is here - http://bit.ly/FPOywm