Deven

Thompkins

Thompkins will likely just contribute on special teams, if he makes the roster. Through four NFL seasons, he has returned 45 kicks and 42 punts. The Bills also waived RB Desmond Reid with an injury designation. He will probably revert back to the roster after passing through waivers. The Bills also waived CB Dorian Strong with a non-football injury designation. In February, GM Brandon Beane said Strong (neck) was “going to have a procedure that will determine whether he can play.” Unfortunately, this could be the answer.

Thompkins, 25, has been elevated from the practice squad twice. He likely will contribute on special teams.

Thompkins played under Canales in 2023, operating as the Buccaneers’ No. 4 wide receiver. His best game came against the division-rival Saints, in which Thompkins caught four-of-four passes for 45 yards and one touchdown. He is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant, having failed to average even 0.80 yards per route run in two NFL seasons.

A 2022 UDFA, under-sized Thompkins caught 17 balls in 17 games last season, so it’s a little surprising to see him cut loose at this stage of the offseason. Heading into his age-25 campaign, 5-foot-8 Thompkins has roughly six weeks to land on someone else’s 90-man roster before training camp. That, of course, will depend on his health.

Thompkins saw an increased role after Mike Evans exited with hamstring injury. Seeing usage as a gadget player, he also added an 11-yard rush to his output. Thompkins capped off his day with a flying catch to score a late fourth quarter touchdown. Hold off on adding him to fantasy rosters just yet, but Thompkins may be an intriguing streaming option should Evans remain out.

Asked about lesser known players who have stood out during offseason practices, Bowles raved about Thompkins, who recorded 102 receptions for 1,704 yards and ten touchdowns in his final season at Utah State. “I would love to see what Thompkins does in training camp,” Bowles said. “He’s quick, he’s fast, he’s explosive off of the ball, and he’s made some good catches. So, we want to see how he continues to learn and how he does in training camp and preseason. I’ll be looking at him.” Thompkins would have to overtake Tyler Johnson, Cyrl Grayson, and Scottie Miller on the Tampa depth chart if he’s going to make the team and see consistent playing time in 2022. With Chris Godwin (ACL) expected to miss the early part of the regular season, Thompkins could be a player to watch.

Thompkins (5'7/155) was one of the best receivers in the nation last season from a production standpoint. Despite a receiving line of 104-1722-10, the former Aggie didn’t draw an invite from the NFL Scouting Combine, and is currently projecting as an undrafted free agent. At Utah State’s pro day, Thompkins managed to run a sub 4.5 40-time, and posted a 6.98 three cone and 4.18 in the short shuttle, which would have ranked third amongst combine participants. Thompkins may need more than a strong pro day to get drafted, but he should find his way onto a camp roster one way or another.

Thompkins (5'8"/155) had an impressive senior campaign as getting former Arkansas State transfer Logan Bonner was big for the Mountain West champion Aggies this season. Playing in a full slate of games for the first time since 2019, he was able to smash all of his personal bests with his first career 1,000 receiving yard season and double his career touchdown total. With his lack of size, we won’t see him lined up wide in the NFL, but he could live as a solid slot receiver.

Thompkins (5'8/155) continued his excellent senior season. He ran a perfect double move and caught it in stride from backup QB Cooper Legas. He received a target in the end zone right before the touchdown but an impressive interception robbed him of that. Throughout the rest of the game, Thompkins was mostly held in check, catching five passes for 53 yards on underneath routes, mainly screens and glance routes. He finished his excellent senior season with 96 catches, 1,589 yards, and nine touchdowns. He will enter the draft and have a chance to improve his draft stock in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

The honor for Thompkins (5'8/155) brought to an end a 21-year drought of the Aggies not having a receiver receive the honor of being an all-conference WR. The last player to do so was Aaron Jones in 2000 and that was when they were in the Big West Conference of the FCS. It’s no surprise for Thompkins, as he led the nation in both receiving yards (1,543) and receiving yards per game (128.6). He will get an opportunity to add to his impressive season this Saturday as the Aggies take on San Diego State in the Mountain West Championship Game.