Alabama safety Deionte Thompson has declared for the NFL draft and will forego his senior season with the Crimson Tide, per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report (Twitter link). It is really a no-brainer for Thompson, who is widely expected to be a first-round selection in the 2019 draft.
A consensus four-star recruit coming out of high school, Thompson had a breakout year in 2018, posting 78 tackles and picking up a pair of interceptions for the SEC powerhouse. At 6-2, 194 pounds, Thompson possesses excellent length and he has impressive speed for his size. He is a willing tackler in the running game, and he also has the range to cover receivers downfield.
The Panthers, Lions, Redskins, Cowboys, and Packers would be potential landing spots for Thompson. He did not have a great showing in last week’s CFB title game, but his overall body of work still makes him the best safety in the draft.
Meanwhile, Thompson’s teammate, Saivion Smith, has also declared for the draft, per Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com (via Twitter). Pauline has a third-round grade on Smith, who, like Thompson, has elected to skip his senior year of college. Smith is a 6-1, 200 pound corner who picked off three passes this year, including one pick-six.
Six Alabama underclassmen have now declared for the 2019 draft.
Philly
Dallas has no first round pick.