| Thompson's career at Clemson didn't end in a positive way - he was a member of the defense on the wrong side of a 70-33 loss against West Virginia in the Orange Bowl. But the sturdy defensive tackle, who is nicknamed "Yams" due to his massive thighs, has a bright future at the next level, and might even be a first-round selection in April. That would be due largely to a body that is surprisingly athletic and mobile given its strength and girth. Thompson excels at quickly clogging gaps in the trenches, frustrating opponents' rushing attacks and surging forward to force negative plays in the backfield. His efforts earned him a spot on the all-ACC second team after his senior season, which included Clemson's 8-0 start and eventual ACC title. In the conference championship game, he helped hold Virginia Tech to 56 rushing yards - the only time all season the Hokies had fewer than 130. Thompson had an impressive showing at the NFL combine, proving his strength by putting up 35 reps in the bench press. If there's a complaint about him, it's that he's not much of a pass-rusher, only totaling 4 1/2 sacks in four years at Clemson. But Thompson is a hard worker with a good academic record who should be able to hold his own on an NFL line immediately, which makes it unlikely that he'll still be available by the end of the second round. |
