Bryan Thompson got his first taste of the NFL after he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Buffalo Bills ahead of this past weekend's rookie minicamp. Thompson played six seasons in college, with four at Utah and the past two with Arizona State.
During his time at Utah, Thompson wasn't consistently involved in the offense as he had only one season with double digit receptions. In that 2019 season, he finished with 18 receptions, 461 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
In the past two seasons with Arizona State, he was a little more involved with 22 games played and 11 starts during that stretch. He had 38 receptions, 507 receiving yards, and no touchdowns.
How does Bryan Thompson fit on the Buffalo Bills?
Bryan Thompson will have a tough time making the 53-man roster as a rookie this summer. The Bills have good depth at the position and there may not be a spot even available this year with Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Khalil Shakir, Deonte Harty, and fifth round draft pick Justin Shorter.
This leaves eight wide receivers competing for that sixth wide receiver spot and Thompson is in that group. One thing he does well that could set him apart from this group is he is an excellent run blocker.
According to his player page on Arizona State's website, Thompson finished as the 22nd-best wide receiver in college last season in run blocking with a grade of 71.4.
The run blocking will unlikely be enough to earn him a spot on the 53-man roster and he has a better chance at earning a spot with his contributions on special teams. However, with players like Tyrell Shavers on the roster, who excelled in this area, Thompson looks to be a long shot and he likely makes it onto the practice squad if he plays well during the preseason.