New York Giants Draft Darian Thompson in Third Round on Day 2
By Neal Lynch
With the 71st overall pick, in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Boise State Broncos free safety Darian Thompson.
Three months ago, Thompson made our list of the top prospects the Giants should target. Two months ago, we thought Darian should still be a priority for Big Blue. Just last month, Thompson was one of eight safeties the Giants had to pursue. And just earlier today, Darian continued to dominate our radar, making our list of the top remaining prospects on Day 2.
Thompson joins first round pick Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple and second round pick Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Sterling Shepard.
ICYMI, here’s the latest on Thompson:
Height: 6 feet 1 inch | Weight: 217 pounds
Darian scored a draft grade of 5.52, which means “Backup or eventual starter”. Analyst Lance Zierlein compared Thompson to Green Bay Packers third rounder Morgan Burnett, adding:
"“Looks the part and has enough production to warrant a close look, but that close look shows a player with below average man cover skills and a lack of awareness in zone coverage. An even greater concern is that too many big plays were allowed because he busted coverage or failed or to execute. Thompson 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.”"
WalterFootball ranked Thompson as the 7th best safety in the draft, adding:
"“The senior has an impressive combination of size, tackling ability, instincts and ball skills.”"
Eric Robinson of NFLMocks wrote this about Thompson in his scouting report:
"“He is underrated. What Thompson brings is versatility as well as a knack for a big play per game. Viewing his tape, he has shown qualities of a free safety (range, ball skills, good instincts) as well as strong safety (Aggressive, solid run support, size).”"
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Thompson was considered one of the combine’s biggest losers and he was too ill to perform at the Boise State Pro Day, but that didn’t deter the G-Men. He should compete for the starting free safety job with Nat Berhe, Mykkele Thompson, and Bennett Jackson.