Tennessee football: Five best NFL landing spots for Bryce Thompson

Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Bryce Thompson (20) celebrates in the second quarter in a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Bryce Thompson (20) celebrates in the second quarter in a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 5
Jan 16, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay with running back Cam Akers (23) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) against Green Bay Packers during the NFC Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2021; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay with running back Cam Akers (23) and quarterback Jared Goff (16) against Green Bay Packers during the NFC Divisional Round at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4.) Los Angeles Rams

No, this isn’t a typo. The Los Angeles Rams, whose secondary ranked No. 1 among NFL teams in passing yards allowed per game, could be looking for another talented DB this draft class. Thompson’s potential availability in the later rounds makes it more of a possibility he’ll join Sean McVay’s team this spring.

As we mentioned, the Rams’ secondary was terrific in 2020. Led by Jalen Ramsey and Darious Williams, cornerbacks and safeties accounted for 13 interceptions over 16 games last season. But the Rams have released the only player listed behind Ramsey, Tyrique McGhee, who was suspended for violating the leagues’ PED policy.

This isn’t to say the Rams are looking to draft a cornerback that will take over Ramsey’s starting spot in this cycle. Of course not. But could they draft a player like Thompson, whose upside as a draft prospect is defined by his superior ball skills, to learn besides a ball hawk like Ramsey? That makes almost too much sense.

The Rams selected former Tennessee football running back John Kelly in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Thompson, if drafted by Los Angeles this spring, would be the second cornerback taken by the franchise in the last seven years.