Saints Sign Former Oklahoma Offensive Tackle Tyrus Thompson

The Saints have signed OT Tyrus Thompson according to his agent.

Congrats to @TyrusT_73 on his signing with the @Saints today! @OU_Football #OUDNA #PlayersRep

— Ken Sarnoff (@KenSarnoff) May 15, 2016

The Oklahoma offensive tackle was drafted by the Vikings in the 2015 draft and spent time with the Vikings, Jaguars, and Lions in 2015. He spent all of his time on practice squads. Unable to make any roster in 2015, the Saints saw enough during mini-camp to sign him

NFL.COM 2015 Draft Profile

Height 6'5" Arm Length 34 7/8 Weight 324 lbs Hands 10 1/4

STRENGTHS

Has NFL talent and athleticism. Is able to climb up to the second level and engage assignments. Effective wall-off blocker. Can change direction in pass protection and is able to adjust in space to get to moving targets. Light on his feet for a big guy. Has the feet and length to be a starting left tackle in the league. Has athleticism to recover when beaten in pass protection. Can move laterally and make tough blocks when needed.

WEAKNESSES

Reacher-and-grabber in run game. Doesn't consistently bring feet with him to bury defenders. Not a finisher. Plays with poor technique. Inconsistent anchor and plays with poor leverage. His effort level is at bare minimum when asked to block away from the play. Finesse player. Has thin legs. Lacks the nasty his teammate Daryl Williams has. Considered lazy and maddening to scouts, who question how much he loves the game.

DRAFT PROJECTION

Round 3 or 4

NFL COMPARISON

King Dunlap

STRENGTHS

Thompson has NFL size and flashes NFL potential, but he doesn't play with the consistency or effort that NFL scouts want to see from him. There will be teams that drop his grade due to football character, but tackles that have traits and upside usually get drafted earlier than their draft grades call for.