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Colorado Buffaloes: Remaining Seniors Fighting for NFL Draft

By Gordon Trickel

Sep 10, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie is run onto the field before the game against the Idaho State Bengals at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes mascot Ralphie is run onto the field before the game against the Idaho State Bengals at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Tedric Thompson (9) tackles Colorado State Rams running back Izzy Matthews (35) in the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Tedric Thompson (9) tackles Colorado State Rams running back Izzy Matthews (35) in the first quarter against the Colorado State Rams at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety Tedric Thompson

To play safety in the NFL, Thompson has good length and overall skill-set to make it as a reserve safety. The big question with Thompson is, how much room for growth does he have let? Some scouts believe he has already hit his ceiling, or come close to it.

He has proven himself to be a ball-hawk with seven career interceptions, one this current season, and 18 passes deflected, two of those this year. If Thompson was under the radar to start the season, he shouldn’t be now.

While it is still early in the season, Thompson has played great. His draft stock is still as a late round prospect, but he should start climbing up boards, if his play stays or improves. Two pass deflects and an interception in two games are pretty good numbers. Of course, that is just one phase of his game.

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Thompson also adds value as a run defender, and has shown quick play recognition when it comes to defending the run. Thompson has totaled 158 tackles in his career and six tackles for a loss, which is pretty low. As a safety though, he isn’t expected to make many tackles for a loss. Being 10-15 yards downfield makes that hard to get many tackles for a loss.

One thing that stands out is interceptions come in bunches. In 2014 and 2015, he had three in four games. When he is in the zone, he really seems to be in the zone. If Thompson has an interception in the next two games, that would make three years of three interceptions in four games. Just a fun fact.

While his draft stock is probably sitting at 6th/7th round at the moment, Thompson can show 4th round value, especially in a class that is pretty weak after the top guys. A lot of games are left for Thompson to improve his stock, don’t be surprised if he does.

There are more seniors, but their draft hopes might be too far out of reach for them to get drafted and may have to enter the NFL as undrafted free agents. Of course, if they play some amazing football, they could get a lot of hype and ride the hype train to a good draft spot.

Next: Colorado Buffaloes Seniors Playing to be Drafted into NFL

There is a lot of football left and a lot can happen with these Colorado Buffaloes and their seniors. NFL hopes can be lost, or obtained over the rest of their season.

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