In their first post-NFL Scouting Combine mock drafts, most NFL.com analysts went with the tight end/linebacker selections for the New York Giants. What has become the standard fare of Coby Fleener (TE, Stanford), Dwayne Allen (TE, Clemson), Dont'a Hightower (MLB, Alabama). The one different selection was Chad Reuter's choice for the Giants of Clemson defensive tackle Brandon Thompson.
Let's use today's 2012 NFL Draft Prospect Profile for a closer look at the 6-foot-2, 314-pound Thompson.
Wes Bunting of the National Football Post has Thompson ranked No. 24 on his Big Board. In his scouting report on Thompson, Bunting says:
"A guy who should be able to come in and be a lineman who can win inside vs. the run game. Looks a bit limited as a pass rusher, but will be able to push the pocket and threaten gaps off the ball. A starting caliber 43 nose inside."
From NFL.com:
"Thompson brings value to the NFL in that he can play both defensive tackle or nose tackle at the NFL level. With his size and athletic ability, Thompson has been disruptive for Clemson. He plays stout against the run and will plug the hole well for an NFL team. He is able to find the ball as a defender and is effective after the snap in making plays in the backfield. He doesn't bring a ton of pass-rush ability, but he will be able to serve as a strong presence up front. He has the talent to warrant a late first or early second-round pick."
CBS Sports writes:
"He explodes off the line with tremendous force and uses his wicked strong hands to gain an advantage. This helps him as a dangerous bull rusher, but he is not really a pass rush threat. His college statistics may not be relevant because offenses tried to stay out of his way, even if it took two men to do so. Thompson may be NFL ready right now, but he is already maximizing his physical ability and may have marginal upside."
Brandon Thompson Profile
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 314 pounds
School: Clemson
40 time: 4.95
2011 Stats: 77 tackles (8 for loss), 2.5 sacks
What you have to like in the video below is that Thompson is rarely being moved backwards. He is almost always getting some type of push into the backfield.
Brandon Thompson vs VA Tech (2011) (via UploadingAMV)