Christian Thompson Scouting Report |
Christian Thompson - South Carolina State (HT: 6-1¼ - WT: 211) |
Positives -- Good size at 211 pounds and great speed for that size; 4.50-40 at the combine was the fastest of participating safeties; not just a track runner, has playing speed to keep up with vertical receivers... Fluid hips and lateral movement to turn and keep up with receivers... Has ball-hawking qualities with
good hands... Can be a good role player and contribute on special teams while coaches develop him into a depth safety... Physical downhill safety who loves contact; good player in the box, and loves to bring punishing hits in the run game... Benefits from a weak safety class as a whole... Was the first South Carolina State player to be invited to the combine since 2001 and is an intriguing prospect due to his combination of size and speed... Has the physical tools to play in the NFL and is worth a day three selection.
Negatives -- Average to below average at route recognition; hesitates at times, appears to lack professional level instincts... Needs to improve pre-snap reads and route recognition; pure physical talent but needs to be more of a student of the game... Can get lost in the wash of blockers if he does not make initial penetration... Frustratingly inconsistent player who goes from hot to cold in a hurry... Did not compete against high level of competition and was unable to dominate at the FCS level, will make scouts question his ability to produce at all against the elite talent in the NFL... Not an immediate starter in the NFL, will take several years to develop, may need to spend time on a practice squad and work his way up... There are conflicting reports stating Thompson was either kicked off the Auburn team prior to the 2009 for undisclosed reasons or left on his own accord; if the former, there may be character red flags that NFL teams will investigate.
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Combine Results |
Height |
› |
6012 |
Weight |
› |
211 |
Arm |
› |
31½ |
Hand |
› |
8⅜ |
40-Time |
› |
4.50 |
Vertical |
› |
31.5 |
Broad |
› |
10'2" |
Bench Press |
› |
18 |
Shuttle |
› |
4.13 |
Cone |
› |
7.33 |
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At South Carolina State -- (Official School Bio) Made the switch from strong safety to the "Bandit" position this spring and is in a tight battle with redshirt senior La'Taris Douglas for the starting duties at that position... Is very talented and has a rare combination of size, power, and speed... Will have a chance to be an impact player on the SC State defense and in the MEAC... A candidate for postseason accolades... Finished the season with 66 tackles (41 solo, 25 assisted), one tackle for loss, two interceptions and one fumble recovery in 11 games... Thompson intercepted a Bethune-Cookman pass in his own end zone early in the game and then sealed it by picking off a pass with 25 seconds remaining when the Wildcats were 40 yards from a potential game-tying touchdown... was named Sports Network National FCS co-defensive player of the week for his efforts in South Carolina State's 26-18 win against Bethune-Cookman. 2010: Started every game at strong safety and was an outstanding contributor... Finished the year with 46 total tackles, 30 of them unassisted with one tackle for loss, one interception and seven pass breakups, most on the squad. 2009: Was a welcomed addition to the South Carolina State defense after transferring from Auburn of the powerful Southeastern Conference... Was one of the top reserves in the South Carolina State secondary... Played in eleven of the team's twelve contests and finished ninth on the squad in total tackles with 29, including six for losses and one sack. 2008: Was a backup safety for the Auburn Tigers... transferred following the 2008 season. High School: Was a multiple letter winner and the recipient of several postseason honors. Personal: A sport communication major... Born June 14, 1990... the son of Deardra Cooper.
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