2022 NFL Draft Snapshot: Josh Thompson
Almost six years ago, Josh Thompson flipped his commitment from TCU to Texas. Former head coach Charlie Strong, judicious with his offers, issued a scholarship to Thompson after he came to Austin in July of 2016 for a camp. Just a few days later, the Nacogdoches native decided to join former high school teammate Brandon Jones on the Forty Acres.
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He stuck with his pledge through the transition from Strong to Tom Herman, and played mostly on special teams with some action at nickel during his freshman season in 2017. He became a favorite target for punter Michael Dickson in the gunner role, often downing the Ray Guy Award winner’s kicks near the opponents’ goal line.
Thompson added responsibilities in 2018, where he earned more conventional down snaps at nickel. While he started three games, he struggled as P.J. Locke’s backup. He showed some promise in 2019, but his season was cut short due to a broken foot. He used the four-game redshirt rule in order to come back in 2020 as a redshirt junior.
For 2020, he made the move outside to cornerback and started all 10 games. He had 28 tackles, three TFL, three PBU, and one interception. In 2021, he started nine games and recorded 34 tackles, one TFL, and even recorded a pick-six versus Texas Tech. But he missed the final three games of his career due to another leg injury.
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Thompson attended the 2021 Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, both great places for prospects to help improve their stock and answer questions about their game. There’s no doubting his athletic measurements, which rival and even surpass those of Jones, a current Miami Dolphin. However, he missed a considerable amount of time during his career. Additionally, for all the flashes of his athleticism, there were lapses in technique that cost the Longhorns.
His athleticism should play in the league, especially on special teams. His experience at multiple spots may help him be more attractive to front offices, and his strong numbers at the NFL Combine and Texas’ pro day will be a positive asset on his resume. However, other prospects in the draft have better tape with similar athleticism, meaning Thompson will have to work hard to earn a roster spot, whether he hears his name called in the final rounds or not.
40-yard dash: 4.40 | Bench: 15 | Vertical: 37.5 inches | Broad Jump: 10 feet 7 inches | 3 Cone: 6.84 | 20-yard shuttle: 4.13 | 60-yard shuttle: N/A | The Athletic draft grade: Round 4
Combine measurements: 5-foot11.5, 194 pounds
What’s working for Thompson
- Team captain in 2021
- Strong 4.40 forty time in Indianapolis, short shuttle and vertical jump numbers from pro timing day
- Excellent frame, willing to play in run support and play tough
- Experience at multiple secondary positions
- Adept at downing punts inside the five thanks to work with All-Pro punter
- Teams have plenty of info on him from Combine and Senior Bowl
What’s working against Thompson
- Missed tackles
- Durability problems, multiple concussions and leg injuries that required surgery
- Somewhat of a jack of all trades, master of none
- Limited statistical production, two interceptions in 19 games at cornerback, 10 career passes defended
- Younger prospects are ranked higher on draft boards
