Report: Chuck Pagano Works Out Boise State S Darian Thompson at Pro Day
According to DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano worked out Boise State safety Darian Thompson at his pro day on Thursday:
The Colts were already linked to Thompson previously, as their scouts showed significant interest in him during the Senior Bowl practices. As such, this only adds smoke to the fire that is their rumored interest.
Of course, having served as both a defensive backs coach and secondary coach prior to becoming Colts head coach, Pagano figures to know a thing or two about safeties–having coached the likes of future Hall of Famer Ed Reed.
While the Colts don’t have an immediate need at safety, the team could really use a long-term answer at the position eventually, as veteran Mike Adams just turned 35 years old and is entering the last year of his contract.
The team lost last season’s starting safety Dwight Lowery to the San Diego Chargers in free agency. Although it looks as though last season’s impressive 4th round rookie Clayton Geathers will replace him, the Colts could look to groom Adams’ successor by drafting a talented safety prospect such as Thompson–having him sit behind the veteran for a season just like they did last season with Geathers or perhaps challenge him for the starting job.
The 6’2″, 215 pound safety appeared in 12 games for the Broncos, recording 65 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions in his senior season.
Thompson was a 2x member of the All-Mountain West First Team (2014-15) and is the conference’s all-time interceptions leader with 19 career interceptions.
Currently, Thompson is projected to be an early round pick and could pique the interest of the Colts with his ball-hawking, hard-hitting style: