New England Patriots: Ranking New England’s 4 most athletic players

SS Jason Thompson

The Patriots signed undrafted free agent Jason Thompson following the 2017 draft. Over his four-year college career, Thompson’s played quarterback, strong safety, wide receiver, and special teams. Despite not being invited to the Scouting Combine, he earned a 144.1 pSPARQ score and 2.7 Z-score, second-best among the 2017 safety class. Thompson scored in the 99th percentile of NFL safeties, higher than first-round picks Jamal Adams and Jabrill Peppers.

According to NFL Draft Scout, at Utah’s Pro Day, Thompson clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, 6.57-second three-cone drill, and 4.01-second 20-yard shuttle. Additionally, he completed 20 bench press reps, leaped 39.5-inches in the vertical jump, and 11-feet-1-inch in the broad jump. At the Scouting Combine, Thompson’s measurements would’ve earned him the ‘Top Performer’ designation in each drill.

Thompson compares nicely with Broncos’ safety Justin Simmons, someone New England might’ve reconsidered taking in last year’s draft. Both players have tall frames, agility evidenced by their three-cone drills, explosiveness shown in their jumping ability, and speed indicated by their 40 times.

Although he’s an athletic specimen, Thompson is not guaranteed to make the Patriots 53-man roster. His best bet would be to beat out Jordan Richards and take over as a backup safety and special team’s contributor. Thompson is a physically gifted athlete and one Bill Belichick will find a role for.