Buffalo Bills 2021 Undrafted Free Agent Profile: Tariq Thompson

Tariq Thompson is a safety from San Diego State that went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft but was signed as a free agent by the Buffalo Bills. Let’s take a look at what he brings to the team and how he might fit on the Bills.

Measurables/Stats

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 210 pounds

Tariq Thompson is an experienced safety and played in 45 games over four seasons for the Aztecs.  As a freshman, Thompson had 57 total tackles, four interceptions and four passes defended. He would then follow that up with nearly an identical season in terms of stats with 57 total tackles, two interceptions but four passes defended as well as two forced fumbles.

In 2019, he had 55 total tackles, one sack, four interceptions, eight passes defended, and two forced fumbles. This past season, Thompson played in only eight games and had 41 total tackles, one interception, three passes defended, and one forced fumble.

NFL.com Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein

"Seeing Thompson in the San Diego State uniform and observing his instincts and ball skills is very reminiscent of watching former Aztec and current NFL safety Damontae Kazee. Thompson isn’t as long or loose as Kazee, but the way he processes the field in coverage is impressive. His ball production spanned all four seasons, so it’s a talent and not a fluke. Unfortunately, his tight hips restrict his agility, as witnessed in his pro day performance. He’s a fun player to watch but lacks the necessary athletic testing numbers teams want to see."

How he fits on the Buffalo Bills

While the safety position is a strength for the Buffalo Bills defense with Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer this season, it is something that could look very different quickly. Both safeties have potential outs in the coming seasons and this could create a competition to replace them in the starting lineup.

Thompson is a player that has shown he is a ballhawk as Lance Zierlein notes with 23 passes defended and 11 interceptions. While his strength does lie playing back and in coverage, he has shown an ability to come away with tackles and not afraid to make a play against the run.

The Buffalo Bills did draft Damar Hamlin in the sixth round this year as well as Jaquan Johnson in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, neither player is a guarantee to replace either starter. If Thompson is able to land a spot on the practice squad, he could be in the discussion for a starting job down the road.