49ers 2019 NFL Draft prospect profile: Safety Deionte Thompson

Alabama safety Deionte Thompson likely won’t be in the range of San Francisco 49ers choices in the 2019 NFL Draft, unless there’s a trade down or he falls, which is always a possibility.

Most likely, you’re not going to hear Alabama safety Deionte Thompson‘s name called by the San Francisco 49ers on draft day.

Using the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Thompson would be a massive reach of epic proportions. And he’s not likely to slip into Round 2, where the Niners are slated to select at No. 36 overall.

The latter is always a possibility, of course. Each year it seems like there are 50 prospects who receive the label of “he won’t slip out of Round 1.” But what’s also a real possibility is general manager John Lynch trading down out of the No. 2 overall spot, acquiring more picks and putting a player like Thompson high on the team’s radar.

And it isn’t as if a rangy safety is low on San Francisco’s priority list.

Thompson, who flashed plenty of pro-level readiness his junior year with the Crimson Tide, has plenty of upside to match what the 49ers want to do at the back end of their defense.

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/23/2019.

And when you think of the scheme match for San Francisco, just consider what Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller said of Thompson:

So, what traits made Thompson reach this status? And while there’s a lot to like, what are the attributes and negatives that could set him back?

Let’s take a look.

Deionte Thompson’s Strengths

Thompson has excellent size for a safety, coming in at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds. He wasn’t able to participate in NFL Scouting Combine, due to a wrist injury. But NFL Draft Scout predicted his 40-yard dash time around 4.50, which is more than adequate for a bigger-bodied defensive back at this spot.

What matters more, however, are the abilities that show up on tape.

Thompson’s eyes are outstanding, which allow him to read and anticipate where plays are going. Combining that with his quick-reaction skills, and Thompson is one of the best defensive backs in this class when it comes to converging on a would-be passer.

This could help him be a turnover generator at the pro level, which is important for a 49ers squad with just two interceptions a year ago.

His center-field abilities also reveal just how good he is in sideline-to-sideline coverage. Thompson doesn’t shy away from tackles or run defense, either, making him an all-around player with plenty of upside to start right away in the NFL.

Deionte Thompson’s Weaknesses

Thompson isn’t afraid to use his physicality in tackling, although there’s going to be speculation about whether or not that technique works against him, injury-wise.

On top of that, Thompson often tracks the ball rather than the player. This is usually a good thing, but it also can lead to some misread routes and giving up big plays if his reads are incorrect. Angles, too. And there’s an example in the above film, where Thompson takes the wrong route to the pass catcher, giving up a huge play in the process.

Plus, Thompson is going to have to overcome the stigma of being an Alabama defensive back, who underachieves at the pro level.

Each player is different, of course, but Alabama doesn’t have the best track record of producing top-quality defensive back like, let’s say, LSU.

How He’d Fit with the 49ers

As stated, the Niners aren’t going to use their top pick on Thompson, barring a trade down. And it’s highly unlikely he slips into Round 2.

If San Francisco trades down, though, there’s a chance.

Remember, Thompson can thrive in a single-high Cover 1 or Cover 3 scheme, and the 49ers run the latter. Thompson also plays better in zone as well, which is what defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has his defensive backs do.

It isn’t as if the Niners aren’t needy at free safety, either. Currently, there’s a battle between safeties Adrian Colbert and Jimmie Ward. Colbert struggled his second year at the NFL level in 2018, while an oft-injury prone Ward is on a one-year “prove it” deal.

There’s a good chance neither is the long-term fix for the free safety job moving forward, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the 49ers place a high priority on grabbing one in this NFL Draft.

Whether or not it’s Thompson is anyone’s guess, but they have to at least consider him if he’s available whenever the Niners’ number is called.