NFL Draft Profile: Dylan Thompson

USC Career in Review:

Dylan signed with USC as a little known 2* recruit in 2010 and redshirted his true freshman year. His first career touchdown came against Kentucky in a 54-3 rout in 2011. Thompson would steadily work his way up the depth chart and bide his time behind a budding star in Connor Shaw. With Shaw missing some time in 2012 due to injuries, Thompson would come through in the clutch time and time again. Whether it was when he led our Gamecocks to a surprising victory in Shaw's absence that was capped off with this run here, or him coming in relief of Shaw to throw the game winning touchdown in the 2013 Outback Bowl, Thompson did enough to create some QB controversy. Even though Spurrier chose to stick with Shaw in 2013, Thompson remained patient. Last year he finally got his chance. Thompson's best performance undoubtedly came against UGA when he would finish 21/30 with 271 yards passing with 3 touchdowns against one interception. However, perhaps due to being under constant pressure to score touchdowns because of a bad defense, Thompson seemingly could not get the job done when it mattered most. We saw this against Auburn where, despite throwing 5 touchdowns and over 400 yards, he threw 3 interceptions deep in Auburn territory that might have cost us the game. However, the more rational of us found legitimate reasons to argue that the disaster of a season was not at all Thompson's fault. Thompson would finish his senior year with over 3,500 yards passing and 28 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Pro Day Measurables:

Strengths:

Thompson has pretty decent size at 6'2'' and 217 pounds. Another quality of Thompson is his arm strength. He can absolutely fling the ball and has the arm strength to make deep throws in the NFL. Able to make throws to deep out routes on the long side of the field. Also has good awareness of when to take a shot downfield.

Weaknesses:

Thompson has issues with his footwork. This will often lead to him having to short arm throws. This can lead receivers to be getting left out to dry or just having the pass fall short. He also does not do a good job leading his receivers into open spots on the field so they can get yards after the catch.

NFL Draft Projection:

Thompson played well for us last year at times, and then at others he looked like a guy who waited 5 years for the starting job. That doesn't mean nobody appreciates his contributions, as if we had gotten any less out of the QB position we may not have made a bowl game at all. However, I just do not see NFL scouts and GM's wanting to draft Dylan. Look for him to be a priority UDFA.