Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 day-two targets in the 2019 NFL Draft

Deionte Thompson, Safety, Alabama

The Buccaneers have signed former Green Bay Packers starting safety Kentrell Brice to a one-year deal and have brought in other starting safeties such as Clayton Geathers in for visits during free agency; the team has also moved 2018 cornerback M.J. Stewart to safety for the 2019 season. These moves would indicate that Tampa Bay does not intend to use a high draft pick on the position.

However, if they change their minds, there is a great probability that Alabama safety Deionte Thompson will be ripe for the picking at the 39th overall pick in the draft. Thompson has been dealing with a wrist injury and has not been able to partake in most of the pre-draft process, allowing names like Nasir Adderley, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and Juan Thornhill to potentially jump him on big boards.

Thompson’s pro day is set for April 2, and after that date, we should have a better idea of the kind of athleticism and on-field prowess that the former Crimson Tide defensive playmaker has. In 2018, Thompson tallied 78 tackles, with three of them coming behind the line of scrimmage, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.

If the Bucs do decide to address the safety position early in the draft, Thompson is a solid option early in day-two to come in and start next to Justin Evans on the first day of training camp.