While rookies like wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and defensive tackle Gracen Halton have received much of the shine during their first training camps with the San Francisco 49ers, an undrafted rookie is starting to make a name for himself. An injury Sunday could open the door for him to carve out a roster spot.
The 49ers signed defensive tackle James Thompson out of the University of Illinois on April 26. With DTs CJ West and Alfred Collins entering Year 2, Halton entering as a fourth-round pick and veteran Osa Odighizuwa arriving in Santa Clara via trade, there didn't seem to be much room for a player like Thompson to make a name for himself.
Then he went out in his preseason debut and posted three tackles with 0.5 sacks in 22 snaps after flashing throughout training camp. Pro Football Focus credited him with two sacks, two pressures and a run stop.
A strong camp and preseason debut were enough to make Thompson the 49ers' first option off the bench when defensive tackle CJ West went down with an undisclosed injury during Sunday's practice.
Via ESPN's Nick Wagoner on Twitter:
#thompson #make #halton #west
The 49ers signed defensive tackle James Thompson out of the University of Illinois on April 26. With DTs CJ West and Alfred Collins entering Year 2, Halton entering as a fourth-round pick and veteran Osa Odighizuwa arriving in Santa Clara via trade, there didn't seem to be much room for a player like Thompson to make a name for himself.
Then he went out in his preseason debut and posted three tackles with 0.5 sacks in 22 snaps after flashing throughout training camp. Pro Football Focus credited him with two sacks, two pressures and a run stop.
A strong camp and preseason debut were enough to make Thompson the 49ers' first option off the bench when defensive tackle CJ West went down with an undisclosed injury during Sunday's practice.
Via ESPN's Nick Wagoner on Twitter:
#thompson #make #halton #west
3 months ago
