Tyrus Thompson 2015 NFL Draft scouting report

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Tyrus Thompson

• Position: Offensive Tackle (OT)
  
• Class: Senior (redshirt)
  
• College: Oklahoma
  
• Ht/Wt: 6'5", 324 pounds
  

Scouting Report

Tyrus Thompson, from what I saw on tape, is what NFL scouts would call a "dancing bear." The 324-pound offensive tackle has long arms, sturdy strength, and a punishing punch, and he can be surprisingly light on his feet. Thompson blocks very well in space, and is quick advancing to the second level, where he has the body control to get hands on linebackers and block them away from the play. Thompson is a solid run blocker who doesn't open up big holes, but does a great job of walling guys out of the way. In pass protection, he looked good enough that I think he could start at left tackle eventually, although he had some issues with his technique. His balance was also very good; I rarely saw him pushed to the ground on any of his blocks.

Technique and effort are what will determine if Thompson eventually becomes a solid starting left tackle in the league, or if he's limited to right tackle or playing as a backup. Thompson is capable of punishing blocks, but he often got away with using his arms to stop a player and not bringing his feet into the equation. His kickslide is big and lumbering, even though the rest of his footwork is quick and clean. While he has some good power, he can play too high at times, and that hurts his anchor. These are all technique issues, but they are less concerning to me than the tackles who bend at the waist and throw their weight around. He also threw out inconsistent effort in his blocks. Sometimes he'd bring the pain, and sometimes he was content to shove a guy once, assuming he was away from the play side.

Grade

I have Thompson graded highly because I think he's capable of playing left tackle in this league, and that's a valuable commodity to have. But as I understand it, NFL teams are concerned about his lack of effort and the fact that he needs some seasoning. Still, he has size, strength, and balance on his side, and for those attributes, I'd select him in the second round.