Draft Season At Vikings Territory: S Darian Thompson Scouting Report
[This Darian Thompson Scouting Report, with a Vikings slant, has been provided to Vikings Territory by Draft Season. Be sure to check back for more and also be sure to visit Draft Season to quench your NFL Draft thirst. All previously published scouting reports can be found by clicking here.]
Darian Thompson | Safety, Boise St.
Measurements
Height – 6’2″
Weight – 210 lbs.
Age – 22
At First Glance
All-Mountain West First Team
Projected Round
2nd Round
Pros
Always around the ball and making plays – totaled 14 career interceptions during his time at Boise St.
Great size and length at 6’2”, 210 lbs.
Plays well against both run and pass
Had a huge Senior Bowl week in both practice and game and was easily one of the best on the field
High football IQ
Former receiver which shows when going for the ball
Plenty of experience with 43 games started for the Broncos
Cons
Sometimes too aggressive which results in giving up the big play
Needs to be more disciplined in coverage – gives his receivers too much space
Has some small technique issues that will need to be cleaned up
OK, but not great speed, for a safety
Needs to become a better tackler and take better angles
NFL Player Comparison
Nate Allen, Raiders
The Vikings Slant
Vikings fit? Yes.
Safety is one of the Vikings greatest needs. Thompson would be a great fit opposite Harrison Smith in the secondary. Both have a nose for the ball and can make big plays. While Smith would be looked at as the “thumper” in that duo, Thompson can certainly lay hits himself. The 6’2”, 215 lb. safety would easily be a day one starter with the Vikings current safety depth and give Minnesota a solid secondary overall.
The tough part for Thompson ending up in Minnesota is the Vikings draft position. Currently projected as an early second round pick, the end of the first round may be a little early for Thompson. While I wouldn’t be overly upset if he were drafted at 23, I think it would make more sense for Rick Spielman to pull off one of his trademark trades and nab an extra pick or two while moving back to select Thompson later.
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