Taylor

Thompson

Thompson was a two-time All-Conference USA selection as a defensive end, but he’s moving to tight end in the pros. At 6'6/259 with a 4.56 40-yard dash and a 37-inch vertical, Thompson’s measurables compare favorably with Jimmy Graham’s. His body and athleticism make him an intriguing, raw prospect as a pass-catcher.

“His growth will have to come in the technique of blocking, but as far as being a receiving tight end, I think he’s uncanny,” Palmer said. “He’s got outstanding speed. He’s got outstanding size and hands.” The converted defensive end caught league-wide attention during a freak Pro Day workout. Thompson figures to spend a year learning behind Jared Cook in Tennessee.

Both beat writer Jim Wyatt and second-round LB Zach Brown took notice. "...That big boy can run and he is long,” Brown said. A 6-foot-6, 259 pound converted defensive end, Thompson lit up the Combine. He’ll likely spend at least one season developing behind Jared Cook before the Titans look to involve him as a pass catcher, however.

Graham is due $2 million after making two catches in 16 games last season, and would be a candidate for release even if Thompson hadn’t entered the fold. It’s unlikely the Titans will decide Graham’s blocking is worth $2 million.

A defensive end at SMU, Thompson switched to tight end at the Players All-Star Classic before blowing the doors off the Combine in February. During OTAs last week, OC Chris Palmer called Thompson’s receiving skills “uncanny” while praising his “outstanding” speed, size, and hands. Thompson will likely be no higher than third on the depth chart as a rookie.

“I think Thompson is rare,” Palmer added. “This guy ... it’s just a question of how good he can be. How good does he want to be? How fast will he grow?” Palmer concedes the converted defensive will struggle while making the transition to tight end, however. Look for the payoff to come down the line for the Titans.

Coach Mike Munchak acknowledges the hyper-athletic converted defensive end is a “work in progress,” but “so far, he’s done a nice job.” Added position coach John Zernhelt, “It’s one thing to know who to block; it’s another thing to know how to block. He’s just at the start of the process.” For fantasy purposes, Thompson is merely a deep-league Dynasty stash.

The converted defensive end has comparable measurables at 6'6" and 260 pounds with a sub-4.60 forty and a 37-inch vertical. Although Thompson’s hands have been softer than expected, he’s obviously not in Gronk’s class as a pass-catcher and playmaker. The total package is worth a stash in deep Dynasty leagues, as Thompson is an intriguing project for the Titans.

The fifth-round pick’s struggles are obviously forgivable, but also confirm he won’t be making a first-year fantasy impact. Thompson has had too many fumbles and drops and is still learning to be a pass receiver. He has stood out on special teams, though, which should keep Thomas on the game-day roster initially.

“He’s a very natural catcher,” Webster observed. “From his defensive line days and all the weightlifting he’s done, he’s strong. So I think his blocking’s gonna be good. It’s exciting to watch him out here. ... He’s a big man, and he’s got really good hands.” Thompson is expected to be a “redshirt” project as a rookie, but he could develop into an impact player down the line.