2026 NFL Draft Profile: Anterio Thompson
Washington has seen a number of key contributors arrive by way of the switch portal over the previous couple of seasons, and Anterio Thompson is one in every of them. What he lacks in measurement, he makes up for in pace, and time will inform if he can carve out a profitable NFL profession.
Position: Defensive Tackle
Thompson’s path to Washington required endurance and dedication. His first collegiate snaps have been on the JUCO degree, spending his freshman season at Iowa Western Community College. One 12 months later, he was taking part in Power Five soccer after transferring to Iowa. The leap was spectacular, however it left him with restricted alternative. Thompson relocated to Western Michigan for his junior season earlier than finally touchdown at Washington for his grand finale.
Thompson was a well-respected JUCO prospect. He was a three-star and ranked No. 52 nationally by 247Sports.
Thompson’s lone season at Iowa Western CC was a productive one. He has logged 32 tackles and 6 sacks in 12 video games throughout the 2022 season. His switch to Iowa allowed him to showcase his athleticism as he blocked two kicks, however he performed in simply seven video games and completed the 12 months with one sort out.
Thompson’s switch to Western Michigan was a smart resolution, as his manufacturing had a big leap. He completed with 34 tackles, one sack, two cross breakups, and added one other blocked kick. I’ve performed in each recreation and began 12 of 13.
Finally, Thompson transferred to Washington, the place he performed in each recreation for the Huskies. He completed the marketing campaign with 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two cross breakups.
As talked about, Thompson is an athlete. If his title is known as within the NFL Draft, it will be as a result of his uncooked athleticism is interesting to groups that imagine they’ll develop him right into a contributor. In an period the place cellular quarterbacks have gotten extra prevalent 12 months by 12 months, fast defensive linemen turn out to be extra invaluable. It is harder than ever to sort out quarterbacks in house, and that is an period the place Thompson may flourish if he places all of it collectively.
Thompson’s measurement may very well be troublesome on the subsequent degree. His potential is centered round explosiveness, translating to being a disruptor, however that ceiling is not going to be reached if he cannot get by way of bigger-bodied offensive linemen operating at him downhill. Furthermore, uncooked pace is his power, however being fast off the road of scrimmage isn’t, so his response time should enhance as nicely.
NFL Projection / Mock Draft
It’s onerous to think about Thompson not being on a roster when the primary week of preseason rolls round. The query is whether or not he’ll be on one as a draft choose or an undrafted free agent. Thompson must overcome the hurdle of being undersized, and the one approach to take action is by using his athleticism to unlock a brand new degree of explosiveness. That’s a tall process within the NFL, however it’s what groups will count on in the event that they use a draft choose on him.
