Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Aztec Gold? Pre-Draft Conversation with San Diego State’s Tariq Thompson — 4/27/2021

Episode Date: April 27, 2021

In the wake of Patrick Chung’s retirement, the New England Patriots find themselves in need of help at the safety position. Should they seek that depth through the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pats would be smart to keep a ‘sharp eye’ on San Diego State’s Tariq Thompson. Host Mike D’Abate sat down with the soon-to-be 2021 NFL Draftee, to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft, his lasting memories at San Diego State, and why his skill set might be an ideal fit in New England.Listen to The Ultimate Mock Draft 2021 presented by Audacy and the Locked On Podcast Network. April 19th-26th. Follow the feed today!Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.ManscapedGet 20% Off and Free Shipping with the code LOCKEDONNFL at Manscaped.com.NugenixText now, and they’ll include a bottle of Nugenix Thermo, their most powerful fat incinerator ever with key ingredients to help you get back in shape, absolutely free! Text DRAFT to 2-3-1-2-3-1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. It is Tuesday, April 27th, 2021, and it is T-minus two days until the 2021 NFL Draft. Welcome to the pod, everyone. My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Lockdown Patriots podcast, which, of course, is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day.

And, folks, it is your team, which means that your questions, your comments, your feedback are always welcomed, very much appreciated. So share that feedback, send it to the Internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC. And while you're out there doing some Tuesday traveling through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at L-O underscore Patriots. Pats fans, the time for the talk is almost over. This Thursday, April 29th, the 2021 NFL Draft commences from Cleveland, Ohio.

And for the better part of a couple of months now, we here on the Locked On Patriots podcast have been doing our best to bring you the most comprehensive draft coverage we can. And in addition to bringing you whatever wisdom and counsel I'm able to lend, I've been blessed to have been joined by some of the great draft minds in the NFL today. But today here on the pod, we take it one step further, because my guest today here on Locked On Patriots is not the one analyzing the plays, he's the one out on the field making them. Joining me today on Locked On Patriots is soon-to-be 2021 NFL draftee, safety Tariq

Thompson from San Diego State. And for those of you scoring at home, you know that the Patriots have a need for depth at the safety position, especially after the retirement of Patrick Chung. And throughout my draft preparation, Tariq has been a player that has caught my sharp eye several times. He's a bona fide playmaker, and given the right circumstance, I think he can be a solid addition to any NFL roster, including our New England Patriots. And when it comes to potential Patriots, Tariq definitely checks off all of the boxes. He's durable and battle-tested, played four years at San Diego State. During his time with the Aztecs, he had 210 total tackles, 23 passes defended, 11 interceptions, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.

At his core, he's that type of ball-hawking safety that we love up here in New England. Someone who's very capable at reading routes and using that ability to be in the right place at the right time to make a play on the football. But what stands out to me the most about Tariq Thompson is his versatility. To be honest, folks, I don't see a whole lot of safeties in this class that can offer what comes naturally to Tariq. We all know that the Patriots love versatile defensive backs, and Tariq Thompson can line up all over the field. If you want him in the slot, he can play there. If you want him to play that traditional deep safety role, he's got you covered there as well. He has the ability to contribute on special teams, and once again, in true Patriots fashion,

he's always in the right place at the right time. Not by happenstance, folks. This is by design. This kid studies the book, he knows his routes, and he has the physical ability to go up and make a play on the football. That being said, there's definitely room for growth. Tariq could be the first to tell you that, and he will when he joins me here in a moment. This is not a kid that feels that he's peaked by any stretch of the imagination,

but the thing that's most impressive about him is his desire to consistently get better. He really has the skill set to play in any defensive scheme, whether it be aligning in the defensive scheme, whether it be aligning in the slot or whether it be taking on zone responsibilities in the nickel. I like his tackling ability to be able to defend against the run, but he also has great ball skills to defend against the pass. And again, this type of versatility is something Bill Belichick absolutely loves. When I look at Tariq Thompson on the field, I see a little bit of Kyle Duggar in him,

a little bit of Patrick Chung when it comes to his physicality. He's a very good communicator, so in that regard, reminds me a little bit of Devin McCourty, and I see a little bit of Adrian Phillips in him as well. That type of versatility is rare in a defensive back in general, and it's really rare in this class. Now, one thing we all know about the Patriots, folks. Bill Belichick and the Patriots brain trust never tip their hand. So, whether or not Tariq Thompson is actually chosen by the New England Patriots folks. Bill Belichick and the Patriots brain trust never tip their hand.

So whether or not Tariq Thompson is actually chosen by the New England Patriots in this weekend's draft is really anybody's guess. Only Bill and the Foxborough brain trust know for sure. But one thing I can tell you is the Patriots are keeping a sharp eye on this kid. He checks a lot of the boxes when it comes to skill set. And again, what makes Tariq Thompson stand out to me is not only his ability to play all over the field, but his willingness to do that. He plays his assignment as a sign. That is a trait that is absolutely adored by Bill Belichick. And at the end of the day, folks, Tariq Thompson of San Diego State might just be a pretty, pretty, pretty good New England Patriot if the chips happen to fall that way this weekend in the 2021 NFL

draft. But don't just take my word for it. Today, we're going to hear from the man himself. Tariq will provide us all on his favorite memories during his time at San Diego State, his opinion of this season's draft process, and lastly, Tariq will enlighten us all, all 32 NFL teams, on what type of pro they'll be getting when his name is called on draft weekend. Folks, again, honored and excited to be joined by Tariq Thompson here on the Locked On Patriots podcast today.

And in just a moment, the former San Diego State Aztec and standout safety prospect will join me on the hot seat when this Tuesday before the draft edition of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. But first, Locked On listeners, when you want to put your prognostication skills to the test, bet online is the fastest and easiest way to bet on all of your sports action. And this week has a ton of it. Baseball season is in full swing,

it's NFL Draft Week, and the Kentucky Derby is back as the first leg of the Triple Ground begins this weekend. Get all the latest news, odds, and info for all of your sporting needs, including MLB, NBA, NHL, and all your UFC MMA action at BetOnline. Before the next pitch or the start of your favorite sport, head over to BetOnline on your laptop or mobile device and check out all the great sporting news, signup bonuses, and contest information.

Don't sit on the sidelines anymore. This is your chance to get into the game as teams prep for their runs to the playoffs. Head over to the website or use your mobile device to sign up today and receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit. Use the promo code locked on. Remember sign up today to receive your 50% welcome bonus on your first deposit when you use the promo code LOCKEDON at BetOnline.ag.

BetOnline, your online sportsbook experts. Locked On listeners, this year the Locked On Podcast Network is partnering with the Draft Network to cover the NFL Draft live. Get insight and analysis from Locked On local experts and the Draft Network's national experts. Subscribe to the Locked On NFL YouTube page to watch live three-day coverage of the NFL Draft April 29th through May 1st. Patriots fans, for the past few months, we have been doing our best here at Locked On Patriots to provide comprehensive coverage of the 2021 NFL Draft but that coverage has primarily come

from one perspective that of the analyst or the media expert but today on the pod I have a special treat for all of you I have the honor of speaking with a draft prospect one that makes the plays on the field not just analyzes them. And he has become quite the bona fide playmaker throughout his collegiate career. He's a player that I've had my sharp eye on throughout this draft process. Four-year defensive standout from San Diego State, safety Tariq Thompson joins me here today on the pod. Tariq, thank you so much for joining me today.

Welcome to Locked On Patriots. Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be on the pod. Tariq, thank you so much for joining me today. Welcome to Locked On Patriots. Thank you for having me. It's an honor to be on this podcast. Oh, it's our honor is all ours. And believe me when I tell you, I have really become a fan of your game. Versatile defensive backs are almost a religion up here in New England, especially in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Any type of Belichickian disciple will tell you that. And the way you play the game really is an eye opener and it's a pleasure and a joy to watch. And I think you have a very bright future ahead of you in the NFL. And again, it's my honor to be speaking with you today on the eve, sort of the eve of the NFL draft.

Again, Tariq, we are two days away from the start of this weekend's NFL draft. And this is arguably the most exciting time for a young athlete about to embark on a pro career. There's a lot of anticipation. I'm sure there's nervousness, but nervousness in a good way as well. And I've had the privilege of watching what you've done on the field for San Diego State throughout this draft process. Again, I think you're about to make one NFL franchise very happy. So before we get into the present and the future, though, I know that pre-draft time can also have you thinking a little bit about the past.

And you had a more than stellar collegiate career at San Diego State, put up some amazing numbers, a lot of highlights. One, in my opinion, that made you the most versatile defender on that roster and even in your conference. Tariq, as you look back on your time at San Diego State, what are your fondest memories and what lessons will you be taking with you to the NFL? My fondest memory is we won the 2019 New Mexico Bowl against Central Michigan. I felt like it was a great game for us.

I've never won a bowl game before until then, so definitely getting that first one was fun. The environment was very competitive, and I felt like that was probably the best performance all around offensive defense that I had or our team had. And it was just a fun experience.

Bowl week is always amazing. You know, you get all these gifts and all these things you can do, see new places, try new things, stuff like that. And the lessons I've learned from college that I'll probably take to the next level is just, you know, communication. I came into college pretty quiet. I still am quiet off the field. But, you know, communication helps.

And, I mean, if I see something that I feel like is going to happen, which is like from film studies, stuff like that, I'm going to communicate it, help my teammate out, and, you know, just make that simple play so we can put ourselves in the best situation to make a play. Absolutely. And, again, communication is such an important part of being a pro athlete. Everything that you put into your game on the field is seen on the field. It's felt on the field.

But communicating is such an important part, and especially here in New England, I've had the privilege of being able to cover some of the best communicators in the game, whether it be Dante Hightower in the middle of the linebacking core of the New England Patriots or someone who plays the position that you play, Devin McCourty in New England. He's become one of the best communicators that I've seen anywhere on a football field. So those types of skills will definitely be taken to the next level. And again, folks, I strongly encourage you over the course of the next couple of days, and even beyond, go take a look at some of Tariq's highlights when it comes to, you know, the bowl game that you mentioned. There are so many great, you know, pick six moments,

interception moments, really just seems to be in the right place at the right time. And I assure you, that's not by happenstance, that's by design. Tariq, I transition now into this year's draft process, and it's a unique experience for athletes. You talked about the bowl game being a unique experience, but the draft process is truly unique, especially this year. COVID restrictions not only affecting the 2020 collegiate season, but also the scouting process itself, postponement of the combine, the emphasis of the pro day performances. When you look at this draft process from the time that your collegiate career ended on the field to where you are right now on the cusp of being drafted into the NFL, how would

you say this draft process has been for you overall in the spring so far of 2021? It's been interesting. It's been interesting. It's been fun. You know, I got to travel to Denver for the first time and, you know, train out there and work out and try new foods and, you know, just be in an atmosphere that I've never been in before. And that's what I'm hoping is going to happen when I get drafted, to go to somewhere I've never been or somewhere that I'm not familiar with.

So, you know, I just love learning about myself and learning new places and new cities and stuff like that. So the draft process was cool in that regard. It's been a little interesting because, you know, you can't really have physical contact with scouts or coaches and stuff like that. So you're kind of just hearing on the phone from them or Zoom. And yeah, it's a little interesting because, you know,

before this, because my dad and my mom used to have me watch videos of, like, the draft process and, like, seeing the guys get flown out to work out with teams, stuff like that, and that didn't happen this year. So it was definitely a little different, you know.

I wish I could have flown out and, you know, worked out with teams and, you know, met with them personally, but I feel like everything happens for a reason. And I'm just waiting for that draft day. Absolutely. And we're all waiting for draft day. You most, you know, all of, you know, your fellow draftees, most importantly and most prominently. There's no question about it.

You guys have been putting in the work and you can't wait. We all can't wait as fans and members of the media as well. You did mention workouts and the workout process being a little bit different. If you were to grade yourself, Tariq, in terms of what you've put in, the workouts and the pro day performances that you've provided, how would you grade yourself and what do you feel that you've best showcased as a reason why a team should absolutely make you a member of their roster in the upcoming 2021 season? I agree. I'm a pro to agency. I didn't do anything that I thought I was going to do,

but I felt like my drill work was pretty good. Wish I would have tested better, but, you know, things happen for a reason, like I said. My taste speaks for itself. I'm a great athlete. Wish I would have tested better, but, you know, things happen for a reason, like I said. My taste speaks for itself. I'm a great athlete. Couldn't put it on the pro day, but it is what it is. I have to move past it. And the training in Denver was amazing. It was a learning experience about my body, learning about how to take care of it

and prevent injuries, and also when I do have an injury, you know, where to fix it and make sure that you're 100% healthy or as close to 100% as you can in the NFL season because, you know, you can always have nicks and bruises in the football season. Oh, without any question. And unfortunately, it's a part of the game, but keeping yourself as healthy as possible

and utilizing your skills to the best of your ability on the field, to to me is what separates you from the rest and testing you know drills things of that nature can always be overcome versatility and high football like you are two things that are so valued here in New England and that's one of the big reasons why I am so honored to share the microphone with you this morning because I see those in you and again folks I think this could be a pretty good fit here. Observing draft prospects on film is one thing, but getting the chance to know the person behind the draft profile to me is what makes this the best time of year to be a football fan.

Folks, when we return, Tariq Thompson will provide us with some insight on his game and how his versatility might fit well here in New England. I think it's a great fit, but I'm not the only one who thinks so. More with Tariq Thompson when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Locked On listeners, when it comes to repairing or maintaining your vehicle, why would you spend 30%, 50%, even 100% more for the exact same auto parts at a chain store or a new car dealership? It's still possible to take pride in your ride and even save a little in the process.

Visit my good friends at rockauto.com. Rockauto.com is a family business serving auto parts customers online for 20 years. Go to rockauto.com to shop for auto and body parts from hundreds of manufacturers. They have everything from engine control modules and brake parts to tail lamps, motor oil, even new carpet. Whether it's for your classic or your daily driver, get everything you need in a few easy clicks, and they're delivered directly to your door. The rockauto.com catalog is unique and remarkably easy to navigate. Quickly see all the parts available for your vehicle, and then choose the brands, the specifications, and here's the best part, folks, the prices you prefer. RockAuto.com's prices are always reliably low and they're the same for

professionals and do-it-yourselfers just like you and me. Why spend up to twice as much for the same parts? Go to RockAuto.com right now and see all the parts available for your car or truck. Make sure to put Locked On in their How Did You Hear About Us box so they know we sent you. Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. RockAuto.com Pats fans, today I am joined by San Diego State Safety Tariq Thompson, soon to be an NFL draftee. And Tariq, the New England Patriots are known for placing a great deal of emphasis on their defensive backfield, particularly the safety position. Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Pats have always taken a lot of pride in employing versatile physical safeties that lead by example.

Whether it be Lawyer Malloy, Rodney Harrison, Patrick Chung, to the current members of this roster, Adrian Phillips, Kyle Duggar, Devin McCourty, a lot of versatility in those mentions among the players that I've just mentioned. From someone who studies the Patriots' defensive system on a daily basis, I can say with confidence that your game would fit quite nicely here in New England. And I'm not sure if you noticed, but the Pats do have a need for some depth at safety, especially in light of Patrick Chung's recent retirement. And having covered Bill Belichick for several years now, I can tell you that players that are drafted into this system, they will play if they can prove that they can be the type of versatile player that can fit in any system. And Tariq, I see that Patriots mold in you and the way you play the game on the field. But you're the one making the plays.

When you look at your skill set, what, in your opinion, makes you pro-ready, meaning ready to make an immediate impact? And what aspects of your game do you hope to enhance or work on during your rookie season and beyond? I feel like my intelligence, my IQ, my football IQ is what I feel like has been the most pro ready since my sophomore year of college. I always felt like I was advanced in that regard.

I see things really quick. I'm good with film. I know how to put myself in a good situation. And I'm good with reading tendencies and, you know, how to diagnose those tendencies and take it to the field and see if a team is using the same play. Like, I can use a couple plays, for example, where I call out the play that the offense runs

and we get a pick from it or I get a pick from it. And, like, certain plays where I can force a fumble and stuff like that. It's just my film study and my intelligence are one of my top two skills uh i said my ball skills and my coverage skills are really good um i feel like that's something that's going to translate to the next level really well as well um i have good feet um i can break i can run with almost anybody um i feel like that's what the big question is is am i fast enough and i just

can't wait to show people that I am. And that, I think, is something that you'll absolutely show. And one of the things that I'm most taken with in your game is, even though you typically align in the slot, I think a lot of times you don't get the credit that you deserve for the zone responsibilities that you can provide as a nickel player. That's something that, in New England, I can tell you is highly valued. The ability to be versatile, to play a number of different roles, whether you're playing in the slot at the free position,

whether or not you're playing in the box, this is something I've seen you do throughout your collegiate career. And again, if it catches my sharp eye, you can bet it's catching the sharp eye of a lot of general managers and scouts throughout the NFL. And I'm sure it's catching the sharp eye of those in Foxborough. And again, like I said, I still think this is a good fit. And, you know, regardless, I know that your skill set will be well received by whatever NFL team is lucky enough to have you on staff.

And that leads me quite nicely into my last question for you here, Tariq. Whether it be here in New England or not, a bright future does await you in the NFL. And as I said to open the show today, I have no doubt that you're going to be an asset to whatever franchise drafts you. When your name is added to the 2021 NFL draftees this weekend, what type of pro will that NFL team be getting in Tariq Thompson? A pro that's ready to work. The job is just getting started. Just because I get drafted doesn't really mean anything. I still have to make the roster and contribute to the team in any way possible.

I feel like I can be a valuable asset on special teams. My desire to tackle or make a block or do whatever I can to help the team win is what I feel like will set me apart. Because at the end of the day, I just want to play football. I'm a competitor. I love the game. I live the game. I believe the game.

I watch the game. So if it isn't playing defense, I'm one of these special teams, or either or. It doesn't really matter. I just want to help the team win. I've never had an ego playing this sport. I always felt like my value was underrated. Even in high school youth football, I was never the guy and I'm fine with that.

I just want to be able to make an impact on the team and help them win. Absolutely. And I think I'm speaking for a lot of patriots fans listening to this right now saying you sound like a new england patriot already i'm willing to play on special teams put myself and put uh you know the team ahead of myself those are all things that bill belichick absolutely loves and all kidding aside tarik those are things that patriots fans and really any nfl franchise any nfl team uh will tell you that they value the versatility, the willingness to do what the assignment is and play the assignment as assigned.

That's a skill that I see in you. And that's a skill that I know will translate well to the next level when you're drafted in just a few days. Before I let you go today, Tariq, are there any parting messages to any of the NFL franchises, NFL fans, media members, anything that you'd like to relay that you haven't had a chance to during our interview to

anyone essentially keeping their sharp eye on you heading into Thursday's draft? Not really. I just want to say that the franchise, all the GMs have a great draft, and hopefully one of the teams will like me,

and they're going to get a person who's ready to compete and give his best. So that's all I have to say. Absolutely. Well said. And Patriots fans, as I like to say, keep a sharp eye on Tariq Thompson. This is a gentleman that he's either going to be making plays here in Foxborough or making plays against you for whatever team traps him.

But regardless, you're a true professional both on and off the field, Tariq. I hope to see you in Foxborough, Massachusetts this summer for training camp. It would be great to be able to catch up with you at that time. But no matter where your football journey takes you, I wish you nothing but the best of luck, good health, and success. It's been my honor to speak with you today, and I appreciate you taking time out of your busy schedule on a very busy week for you, I'm sure,

to join us here on Locked on Patriots. Tariq, all the best on the next phase, and I look forward to seeing you making plays out there on an NFL football field very soon. Best of luck. Thank you. I appreciate you for having me on. It's been an honor. It's been a pleasure. Anytime. Pleasure and honor is all mine just like that patriots fans we are almost halfway through your work week and the countdown to the

start of the nfl draft can be measured in hours instead of days and tomorrow here on the pod another very special treat because there is no way we could get through draft week without welcoming back the host emeritus here at Locked on Patriots. My good friend, mentor, and predecessor, Mark Schofield, will drop by the pod, and you know we're going to be talking draft prospects, Patriot strategy, and if Mark's in the house, folks, you can definitely bet that some quarterback talk's going to be sprinkled in. So, to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as the Odyssey app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google

Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank soon-to-be 2021 NFL draftee Tariq Thompson for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for continuing to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Pats Nation, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.