2010 NFL Draft Recap (Day Three)

After a spectacular Day One for the Bears, which saw two former Cal players get drafted in the first round, Day Two was a quiet one, with no Bears’ names getting called up in Rounds 2-4.

By the end of Day 3 however, it was our very own Syd’Quan Thompson getting drafted.

7th Round

18. (225 overall) Denver Broncos - Syd’Quan Thompson, CB


Hey, better late than never right?

As I kept up with the draft the past few days, I was absolutely shocked that Thompson’s name never appeared on the draft board as the rounds wore on. Heading into the 2009 season, Thompson, a pre-season All-American was considered a potential first or second round pick. By season’s end, I would have guessed that Thompson would probably be drafted anywhere from the third to the fifth round, based on his lack of gaudy stats at the end of the year (the result of opposing teams throwing away from his side of the field).

A disappointing pair of 40 times (due to his pulled hamstring injury) in the 4.6-4.7 range, and I knew Thompson was likely to get pegged somewhere in the fourth or fifth round. I really thought his consistency and physical skill set would make it hard to ignore his talent.



Whether it was the concerns about the lack of top end speed, or lacking the potential “it” factor, that is Thompson may have maxed out his play at the college level (which I disagree with), most NFL teams thought there were 29 other corners who were better than Thompson.

The Broncos knew they didn’t want to lose Thompson to free agency however, and traded back into the seventh round to pick up Thompson. In doing so, they got an absolute steal in the draft, as I sincerely believe Thompson was easily one of the ten best corners in the nation. How that translates at the pro level is anyone’s guess. But if college performance is any indication of pro productivity, Thompson will be a good one for years to come.

This is a player who has shown great mental and physical toughness, has started every single game of his college career, and has shown flashes of brilliance in pass defense. Oh and he also happens to be one of the best tackling corners I’ve seen at the college level. Denver is lucky to have him.

Congrats Syd! Have fun batting down Tebow passes in practice.