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New Orleans Saints 2016 NFL Draft Profile: Darian Thompson

By Ian-Mitchell Dear

Sep 25, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) intercepts a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Canaan Severin (9) in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Boise State Broncos safety Darian Thompson (4) intercepts a pass intended for Virginia Cavaliers wide receiver Canaan Severin (9) in the first quarter at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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After the New Orleans Saints lost Rafael Bush to the Detroit Lions in free agency, the team may be looking to add some depth at the safety position in the 2016 NFL draft. Acquiring a solid tackler like Darian Thompson can benefit both the defense and special teams.

As we count down the final days to the 2016 NFL Draft, we continue our New Orleans Saints draft profile series with Boise State safety Darian Thompson, one of the best ball hawks in college football.

Measurables:
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 208 LBS
Arm length: 30 3/8 inches
Hands: 9 1/8 inches

Scouting Combine Results:
40-yard dash: 4.69 seconds
Bench press (225 LBS): 12 reps
Vertical: 32.5 inches
Broad Jump: 118 inches

Analysis:
Thompson finished his career at Boise State as the leader in career interceptions with 19 picks. Watch his tape and you will immediately notice that the kid is a ball hawk.

He has great size to challenge most NFL receivers and great instincts when it comes to reading/undercutting routes and playing the ball in the air.

He doesn’t lay the lumber on receivers coming across the middle, but he is a solid tackler when the ball carrier is in his area. Thompson has a mean streak when it comes to defending against the run and does a good job locating the running lane.

Thompson is a playmaker on defense, but he might gamble too much trying to make a big play. He easily bites on crossing routes underneath and play action fakes. He must improve his coverage technique and not always play with his eyes.

He also has a tendency to fly in recklessly on running plays. While the aggression is appreciated, he needs to work on being more tempered in run defense to avoid missed tackles.

Watch Thompson’s ball-hawking skills, courtesy of DraftBreakdown.com:

More from Saints Draft

How he fits with the New Orleans Saints:
Thompson’s game is eerily similar to former New Orleans Saints cornerback Corey White, who didn’t pan out well in the Big Easy. Both were ball hawks, played with a mean streak in run defense, and were fairly average when it came to pass coverage.

Just to be clear, I am not saying that Darian Thompson is just like Corey White. Thompson has faced better competition and is a more complete player. He is projected to be drafted in the 2nd round, not the 5th round like White.

Thompson won’t have to play the slot like White did and fits well as a backup safety and special teamer who could be groomed under Jairus Byrd with the New Orleans Saints.

With the right coaching, scouts think he has the potential to turn into a player like Morgan Burnett from the Green Bay Packers. He isn’t quite day-one-starter material, but the only thing standing between Thompson and a bright future in the NFL is experience.

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