Tennessee football: Bryce Thompson follows tradition signing with Saints
He may not have been selected in the 2021 NFL Draft as was expected, but Bryce Thompson landed with the franchise that specializes in undrafted and overlooked former Tennessee football players. Yes, we’re talking about the New Orleans Saints. Thompson is expected to sign with New Orleans as an undrafted free agent, initially reported by Matt Zenitz of AL.com.
As Sean Payton and co. move past the Drew Brees era, they are doing so with multiple former Vols who did not get any respect in the draft. Alvin Kamara, a third round pick in 2017, is the most notable example, as he has become the most prolific offensive weapon in the pros.
Beyond Kamara, though, Tennessee football already has two undrafted free agents making a name for themselves in New Orleans. Shy Tuttle signed with the team after going undrafted in 2019 and has become a starter. Marquez Callaway signed after going undrafted in 2020 and is expected to play a major role in the Saints’ passing game in 2021.
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This is what Thompson is walking into as a defensive back. He is joining a franchise that has built a recent history of valuing overlooked players from Rocky Top and turning them into stars. Could Thompson be the next guy on this list?
Well, Thompson made a name for himself with his ability to intercept passes. He earned Freshman All-American honors with three picks in 2018 and, despite never getting into rhythm in 2019 thanks to an early suspension, had three interceptions again, all in one game against the UAB Blazers. This past year, he had two picks, including a pick-six.
New Orleans does value interceptions in its pass defense. Last year, they were tied for first in the league with 18 team picks. Back in 2017, the first year they were somewhat revitalized under Sean Payton, they were third in the league with 20 picks.
With a focus on high-powered offenses ever since Payton arrived, New Orleans was at its best when it could intercept lots of passes. An opportunistic defense could offset that defense’s proneness to giving up lots of yards. The year they won the Super Bowl, they were third in the league in interceptions with 26.
dark. Next. All-time NFL Vols at each position
Simply put, this is a franchise that values the ability to intercept passes on defense, and Thompson brings that to the table. Being a former Tennessee football player only further works to his advantage given the other players who have had success there.