Stefon Thompson 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Played running back, tight end, and linebacker in high school 

• Became a starter for Syracuse as a true freshman in his first game 
• Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas participant 

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: 3-3-5, Multiple fronts
• 2022 projected role: Starting SAM/defensive end hybrid 

Pros: Stefon Thompson is a hard-nosed football player that fills a hybrid role for the Syracuse defense. He’s given opportunities to serve as a stack linebacker and as a rush linebacker for the Orange defense. I appreciate the effort and competitive toughness that Thompson illustrates, especially given how often he plays on the defensive line and gives up 75-plus pounds to the offensive linemen he’s tasked with going up against. Thompson is an urgent football player that executes with maximum effort. He has the ability to win with speed and keeps his hands busy as an edge rusher and gap shooter. He showcases the ability to squeeze gaps and use his low center of gravity to compete as a run defender. Thompson is an outstanding tackler that rarely comes up empty. Thompson is a physical and assertive football player. 

Cons: It’s hard to envision what Stefon Thompson is asked to do at Syracuse being anything close to what his NFL role will be. Thompson doesn’t have the length, mass, or acumen to be a consistent pass-rushing presence as a defensive lineman in the NFL and will need to embrace a full-time role at linebacker. With that said, Thompson hasn’t appeared comfortable in coverage and there’s evolution necessary for him to acclimate to new responsibilities. A lot of Thompson’s production has come courtesy of shooting gaps. Thompson has the makings of a special teams standout in the NFL, but what else can he bring?

Stefon Thompson NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino