RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Mykkele Thompson (Texas) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #144 by NYG

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Mykkele Thompson (2015 NFL Draft)

College: University of Texas
Position: Safety

Overview

Mykkele Thompson was a standout safety at the University of Texas, showcasing a combination of size, speed, and athleticism that made him an intriguing prospect for the 2015 NFL Draft. As a player with experience in both the strong and free safety roles, Thompson was known for his versatility and ability to contribute in various defensive schemes.

Strengths

  • Physical Attributes: Thompson possesses a good blend of height (6'2"), weight (around 200 lbs), and speed (4.4 range in the 40-yard dash), making him an appealing option for NFL teams.
  • Versatility: He has the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, which is valuable in today's NFL where defenses often employ hybrid schemes.
  • Ball Skills: Thompson demonstrated good hands and instincts, often making plays on the ball and contributing to turnovers during his college career.
  • Special Teams Potential: His speed and athleticism suggest he could also make an impact on special teams, an important factor for late-round draft picks.

Weaknesses

  • Consistency: Thompson had moments of brilliance but struggled with consistency at times, which raised questions about his ability to perform at the next level.
  • Injury Concerns: His college career was marred by some injuries, which could make teams wary of his durability going forward.
  • Run Support: While capable in coverage, he needed to improve his tackling technique and run support to become a three-down safety in the NFL.

Overall Projection

Thompson was projected to be a mid-to-late round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. His athletic profile and potential made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary with a player who could develop into a starter with the right coaching and experience. While there were concerns about his consistency and injury history, his upside was enough to warrant selection by a team looking for depth and special teams contributors.