NFL Draft 2016: Top 8 Safeties New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
3. Darian Thompson, Boise State Broncos
Height: 6 feet 1 inch | Weight: 217 pounds | Projected Round: 2-3
Darian scored a 5.52 grade at the scouting combine, which placed him 8th highest among safety prospects.
Lance Zierlein compared Thompson to Morgan Burnett, third round pick of the Green Bay packers in the 2010 draft who made the Pro Football Focus All-Pro First Team in 2014. Zierlein added:
"“…below average man cover skills and a lack of awareness in zone coverage…too many big plays were allowed because he busted coverage or failed or to execute…does his best work near the line of scrimmage and has the frame and demeanor to become a box safety in the league, but it might take time.”"
Not exactly what you’d like to hear out of a free safety.
From WalterFootball, who ranked DT 5th among available safety prospects:
"“At the combine, Thompson ran slower than expected. It could force teams to project him as a strong safety and not a player who could move to free safety responsibilities pre-snap.”"
Woof. CBS Sports draft analyst Dane Brugler compared Darian to Bacarri Rambo of the Buffalo Bills, stating both “have the playmaking skills to post their fair share of big plays as well.” Brugler went on to say:
"“Thompson has the anticipation and ball-skills to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball, but he also guesses too much and lacks the same cover skills once asked to turn and run. His inconsistencies make it tough to trust him as the last line of defense, but his playmaking instincts and toughness will interest NFL coaches as a downhill safety.”"
Here’s how Thompson’s stats stacked up in the Mountain West Conference:
Interceptions:
2012 – 3 (5th)
2013 – 3 (7th)
2014 – 6 (6th)
2014 – 6 (2nd)
2015 – 5 (3rd)
Career – 17 (2nd)
It’s hard to imagine the New York Giants wanting gamblers at each corner, plus two ‘box’ safeties, one of whom is also big on risk-taking. That’s a recipe for big plays both ways. One would think the G-Men would want to spread the risk and secure a talent who’s disciplined in coverage and a sure tackler. However, it’s possible Big Blue utilizes Thompson as a Deon Grant in the three safety look from 2011.
Thompson’s list of accolades is hard to ignore:
- Jim Thorpe Award Semifinalist (2015)
- FWAA All-America Second Team (2015)
- PhilSteele.com All-America Second Team (2015)
- Associated Press All-America Third Team (2015)
- Sports Illustrated All-America Honorable Mention (2015)
- CBSSports.com All-America Second Team (2014)
- 2x All-Mountain West First Team (2014-15)
Check out his full scouting report on NFLMocks.com
Next: FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS