NFL Draft 2021: Top 7 LA Rams prospects from MWC

San Diego State S

We now come to the midpoint of our Mountain West Conference prospects and the next in the queue is the safety from San Diego State named Tariq Thompson (5.59-grade per NFL.com). Unlike the anonymity of WR Bailey Gaither, there are plenty of draft profiles on SDSU’s Tariq  Thompson. While he was a noteworthy snub from the 2021 Combine, there is plenty of ready information on this young man.

He is a 6-foot-0 210-pound safety who was the best run-stopper in the MWC.  In 45 games at San Diego State, Thompson chalked up an impressive 210 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, one quarterback sack, 11 interceptions, 23 deflected passes, and five fumble recoveries. Thompson is one of those safeties who seems to be all over the field, involved in nearly every play because he often is.

He can play elite pass coverage. That is not due to any physical gifts that give him an unfair advantage. It simply comes down to preparation. He knows what the offense will throw at him just from how they set up their formation.

That’s the type of player who excites defensive coaches. Imagine Rams secondary coach Ejiro Evero having a chance to work with this young man? And his 4.6-second 40-yard dash time is completely adequate. He plays much faster on the football field. I like this young man. Seriously. He is incredibly hard-working and smart. And he may fall out of the draft this year.