Miami adds more talent to the back end of the defense by adding FS Cedric Thompson from Minnesota. In Thompson, the Dolphins are getting a nice size prospect at 6'0, 208 lbs, and has the ability to play up close to the line of scrimmage or play deep safety. Has enough size and speed to match up 
with TE, which is a plus when you have to face Rob Grownkowski and now Charles Clay. His instincts and awarness on the field could be better, but Thompson is a size speed athlete that can come in and provide depth and compete.
Cedric Thompson, FS
School: Minnesota | Conference: BIG10
College Experience: Senior | Hometown: Calipatria, CA
Height/Weight: 5-11 / 211 lbs.
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ESPN INSIDER ANALYSIS **
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Draft Analysis
| What he brings: Thompson has adequate measureables with a thick frame and above-average strength. He caught our eye at the NFLPA bowl where he showed good range and was very efficient in run support. Thompson has a chance to make an immediate impact on special teams while he develops as a player early in his career. |
Overall Football Traits
| Production |
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No production trait available. |
| Height- Weight-Speed |
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No height-weight-speed trait available. |
| Durability |
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No durability trait available. |
| Intangibles |
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No character trait available. |
1 = Exceptional 2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal
Safety Specific Traits
| Instincts/ Recognition |
N/A |
No information available at this time |
| Cover Skills |
N/A |
No information available at this time |
| Ball Skills |
N/A |
No information available at this time |
| Run Support |
N/A |
No information available at this time |
1 = Exceptional2 = Above average3 = Average4 = Below average5 = Marginal
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NFL DRAFT SCOUT DRAFT ANALYSIS **
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Strengths Weaknesses
He has terrific athleticism to open his hips and run with backs and tight ends, covering a lot of ground vs. both the run and the pass. Thompson has adequate route recognition in the deep half of the field, but tends to be more reactive than proactive with marginal instincts and ballskills, taking too many late and false steps. He has adequate length to get physical with bigger targets, although he needs to do the same with smaller receivers before they can put the moves on him. Thompson strings out plays and closes the gap on the perimeter, leading with his face and driving his hips on tackle attempts, which should serve him well on special teams - potential NFL back-up.
--Dane Brugler
Player Overview
A two-star cornerback recruit, Thompson became a starter at safety as a sophomore and has been an underrated member of the Minnesota defense the past three seasons, recording 221 tackles, 10 passes defended and five interceptions over 32 starts (never received All-Big Ten honors).
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NFL.COM ANALYSIS **
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Draft Analysis:
Thompson showed great range at free safety in college and should benefit from learning behind Louis Delmas, who is in a contract year and coming off ACL surgery. --Mark Dulgerian
Overview
2014: Started all 13 games at safety. 2013: Played in all 13 games and started 11 at safety. 2012: Played in all 13 games and started eight at safety. 2011: Appeared in seven games.
Pro Day Results
40-yard dash: 4.5 and 4.48 seconds
Vertical jump: 40 1/2 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 2 inches
Short shuttle: 4.28 seconds
3-cone: 6.96 seconds
Bench: 21 reps of 225 pounds
Analysis
Strengths
Played as deep safety and near the line of scrimmage. Has enough size to match up against tight ends. Wrap-up tackler with willingness and tenacity to finish in open field. Has adequate closing burst. Gets secondary lined up and is communicative. Has above-average deep speed with twitch in his hips. Had big-time pro-day workout.
Weaknesses
Instincts and defensive awareness are below average. Takes too long to commit once play direction has been declared. Comes downhill looking for action but runs himself into poor run fits. Needs to show more patience in run support. Struggles to move feet and mirror in coverage. Needs to squeeze routes at the top rather than allowing so much room to throw in zone. Had forgettable day against Ohio State.
Draft Projection
Round 5 or 6
Bottom Line
Combination safety with above-average athletic traits and size, but plays with below-average instincts and isn't as trustworthy as teams would like on the back end. Thompson seems slow to see things on tape and uses his athleticism to make up for it. If he can be trained to recognize and react more quickly, he has a shot to make a roster. |
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