Cedric Thompson (Minnesota) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #150 by MIA
Pre-Draft Analysis for Cedric Thompson
Player: Cedric Thompson
College: University of Minnesota
Position: Safety
Overview
Cedric Thompson was a standout safety for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, known for his versatility, athleticism, and strong instincts on the field. His performance in college made him a notable prospect heading into the 2015 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Versatile Skill Set: Thompson demonstrated the ability to play both strong and free safety, showcasing his adaptability in various defensive schemes.
- Football IQ: He has a strong understanding of defensive concepts, allowing him to quickly read plays and react effectively.
- Tackling Ability: His physicality and aggressive tackling style make him a reliable option in run support.
- Range: Thompson possesses good speed and range, enabling him to cover a lot of ground in pass defense.
- Ball Skills: He has shown the ability to make plays on the ball, recording interceptions and pass breakups during his college career.
Weaknesses
- Consistency: At times, Thompson struggled with consistency in coverage, particularly against faster receivers.
- Injury History: He had some injury concerns during his college career, which could raise red flags for NFL teams.
- Technique: Needs to refine his technique, especially in man coverage, to be more effective at the next level.
Draft Projection
Cedric Thompson was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft. His combination of skills and potential made him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their secondary.
Conclusion
Thompson's college career at Minnesota highlighted his potential as a versatile safety. While there were areas that needed improvement, his instincts, tackling ability, and football IQ made him a player worth considering for NFL teams looking to add depth to their defensive backfield.