2026 NFL Draft Profile: Anterio Thompson

**The Basics**

Height: 6’1” Weight: 306 lbs Position: Defensive Tackle Class: Senior

**Recruitment**

Thompson’s path to Washington required patience and dedication. His first collegiate snaps were on the JUCO level, spending his freshman season at Iowa Western Community College. One year later, he was playing Power Five football after transferring to Iowa. The leap was impressive, but it left him with limited opportunity. Thompson relocated to Western Michigan for his junior season before ultimately landing at Washington for his grand finale. Thompson was a well-respected JUCO prospect. He was a three-star and ranked No. 52 nationally by 247Sports.

**College Career**

Thompson’s lone season at Iowa Western CC was a productive one. He logged 32 tackles and six sacks in 12 games during the 2022 season. His transfer to Iowa allowed him to showcase his athleticism as he blocked two kicks, but he played in just seven games and finished the year with one tackle. Thompson’s transfer to Western Michigan was a wise decision, as his production had a significant leap. He finished with 34 tackles, one sack, two pass breakups, and added another blocked kick. He played in every game and started 12 of 13. Finally, Thompson transferred to Washington, where he played in every game for the Huskies. He finished the campaign with 30 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and two pass breakups.

**Strengths**

As mentioned, Thompson is an athlete. If his name is called in the NFL Draft, it’ll be because his raw athleticism is appealing to teams that believe they can develop him into a contributor. In an era where mobile quarterbacks are becoming more prevalent year by year, quick defensive linemen become more valuable. It is tougher than ever to tackle quarterbacks in space, and that’s an era where Thompson could flourish if he puts it all together.

****Weaknesses****

Thompson’s size could be troublesome at the next level. His potential is centered around explosiveness, translating to being a disruptor, but that ceiling will not be reached if he can’t get through bigger-bodied offensive linemen running at him downhill. Furthermore, raw speed is his strength, but being quick off the line of scrimmage is not, so his reaction time must improve as well.

**NFL Projection / Mock Draft**

It’s hard to imagine Thompson not being on a roster when the first week of preseason rolls around. The question is whether he’ll be on one as a draft pick or an undrafted free agent. Thompson will have to overcome the hurdle of being undersized, and the only way to do so is by utilizing his athleticism to unlock a new level of explosiveness. That’s a tall task in the NFL, but it’s what teams will expect if they use a draft pick on him.