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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 11, Washington DT Anterio Thompson
TL;DR
The Green Bay Packers are considering Washington DT Anterio Thompson as a potential seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thompson, a Wisconsin native, has a unique background, starting football in high school and transferring through multiple colleges before his current season at Western Michigan.
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.
As it stands right now the Green Bay Packers have a pair of seventh-round picks during the 2026 NFL Draft. A potential target with one of those picks could be Anterio Thompson. The Washington defensive tackle had a 30 visit with the Packers and checks in at No. 11 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.
A Wisconsin native, Thompson didn't start playing football until his senior year of high school. He started his collegiate career at the JUCO level at Iowa Western Community College. He then transferred to Iowa for the 2023 season and logged 41 snaps on special teams and blocked two punts.
Following his lone season with the Hawkeyes, he transferred to Western Michigan for the 2024 season and recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack and blocked another punt.
Thompson spent his final season at the University of Washington. During his lone season with the Huskies, Thompson recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.
"Anterio was a huge piece for Washington against the run," Roman Tomashoff, the editor for UWHuskiesWire, said. "His strength and athleticism in the middle of the defense helped the Huskies take a massive step forward in run defense, as they improved to No. 12 in the nation, allowing just 100.08 yards per game."
Thompson is hard to dig out for one player. It usually takes multiple offensive linemen to move him off his spot. He uses a lower center of gravity to maintain proper leverage at the point of attack. He utilizes his first-step quickness to slither into gaps and disrupt run lanes. His motor is always running, and he has the lateral quickness and burst to chase down ball carriers.
"Thompson anchors very well," Tomashoff said. "He plays with great upper body strength to help him shed blocks and redirect ball carriers, even if he wasn't the one making the tackle."
Thompson is still developing a pass rush plan, which isn't surprising for a player as green as he is. Where he wins as a pass rusher is with his explosive first step (1.74 10-yard split) and ability to convert speed to power. Over the past two seasons, he recorded 33 pressures.
"His pass rushing ability came on throughout the season, as his natural athleticism and improved technique shined through," Tomashoff said. "He even discussed attempting to pursue an extra year of eligibility to continue refining his technique, so his pass rushing is still a little ways off, but he knows exactly where he needs to improve to take his next step."
Fit with the Packers
The Packers signed veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave in free agency. Even with the addition of Hargrave, the Packers still need to add one or two defensive tackles in the upcoming draft.
Thompson's production won't wow anybody, and he'll also turn 24 in October. Those two things could keep him from getting drafted.
However, he has active traits, and the flashes on tape are there. Flip on the Michigan game from this past season and you see a player capable of carving out a role in a rotation.
The Wisconsin native has a unique blend of quickness and power to at least peak teams' interest late on Day 3. He has the strength to hold the point of attack and be a factor against the run. As a pass rusher, he has the tools to develop into a factor and it will be up to a team to help him develop a pass rush plan.
"He has all the physical tools to at the very least be a valuable special teams player, if not a rotational piece along the interior," Tomashoff said. "He's also spent a lot of time talking about the mental journey that he's taken to become more coachable throughout his college career, and the strides he's made in that department can't be overlooked."
With a pair of seventh-round picks at his disposal, Gutekunst could roll the dice on Thompson's athleticism as he looks to find another Day 3 gem.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 11, Washington DT Anterio Thompson
Q&A
What are Anterio Thompson's college football statistics?
Anterio Thompson recorded 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and blocked two punts during his time at Western Michigan.
Why did Anterio Thompson transfer colleges multiple times?
Thompson began his collegiate career at Iowa Western Community College before transferring to Iowa and then to Western Michigan, likely seeking better opportunities and playing time.
How did Anterio Thompson start his football career?
Thompson started playing football in his senior year of high school, which is relatively late compared to most players.
What is the significance of the Packers' interest in Anterio Thompson?
The Packers' interest in Thompson, especially after a 30 visit, indicates they see potential in him as a valuable addition to their roster in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
