Tennessee football’s 2021 Pro Day: Ranking the biggest winners
Scouting Report. Defensive back. Junior. Bryce Thompson. 2. player. 839. Pick Analysis
5’11” 190 pounds; Hometown: Irmo, S.C.
He shocked a few people when he announced he’d be forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft, but Bryce Thompson capitalized in a big way Thursday. While his official Pro Day numbers have not been released, it was a big deal that the Irmo, S.C. native worked out for the first time in front of NFL scouts.
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One of the fears with Thompson choosing to forgo his senior season was a lack of experience or exposure to those evaluating talent. In three seasons with Tennessee football, Thompson registered 102 tackles and eight interceptions. Still, similar to Brandon Kennedy, he didn’t have the opportunity that Smith and Palmer did to go through drills in front of NFL representatives.
From the pictures that Tennessee Athletics’ released, we can tell that representatives from the Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions were all watching closely as Thompson crossed the finish of the 40-yard dash. Here’s some of what NFL scouts like about his game, according to Thompson himself.
"“My versatility has been one of the key things NFL teams have told me that they liked about my game. They’ve told me how they like that I can play nickel, corner or safety. My ball skills are another trait because I believe I have some of the best ball skills in the country.”"
Tennessee football fans certainly know a lot about the ball skills that Thompson possesses, but no one has a better sense of Thompson’s capabilities than former UT defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley. Ansley now coaches defensive backs for the Los Angeles Chargers, so it’ll be interesting to see how Thompson’s relationship with other NFL teams continues to progress.
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Taking advantage of Thursday’s opportunity helped Thompson’s draft stock exponentially. He’s a player that should shoot up most teams’ big boards as we get closer to draft day, and his potential is through the roof.