2019 NFL Mock Draft: Projected first round after college football season
S. Alabama. Deionte Thompson. 16. player. 87.
The postseason wasn’t particularly kind to Deionte Thompson, particularly in the College Football Playoff as Alabama’s secondary got exposed by both Oklahoma and Clemson.
Freshman Trevor Lawrence lit up the Crimson Tide on Monday night in Santa Clara, and Thompson, as the unequivocal alpha of the secondary, bears a good chunk of the blame. He was out of position on Clemson’s 60-yard pass play in the first quarter, getting burnt over the top on a third-and-long situation, and then later badly missed a tackle on a long Justyn Ross touchdown when he was the last line of defense.
It was a rough end to an otherwise sterling season for Thompson, and he still has the tools to turn into a ball-hawking safety at the next level, remaining the top player at his position in this draft class.
After the title game loss to Clemson, however, Thompson spoke as a man who was seriously considering returning to Tuscaloosa for his senior season so it isn’t set in stone that he declares for the draft early, although he seemed to be leaning that way all season. A championship loss can leave a sour taste in your mouth, feeling like you’re left with unfinished business.
The Panthers ranked 23rd in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed, and will be looking for an upgrade at safety this offseason.
If a pass rusher like Jachai Polite or Clelin Ferrell is still on the board, Carolina would have a tough choice to make with this selection. They could also look at grabbing one of the top available defensive tackles in someone like Jeffery Simmons or Christian Wilkins.