Vikings Rookie NaJee Thompson Continues to Impress on Special Teams
It's looking more and more like undrafted rookie NaJee Thompson is going to make the Vikings' 53-man roster at the end of this month. Not because of his play as a cornerback, but because he's too valuable on special teams to cut.
For the second consecutive week, Thompson has made an awfully impressive play as a punt gunner. He had a tackle that went viral last week against the Seahawks, and he's done it again. In the first quarter of Saturday night's preseason game against the Titans, Ryan Wright boomed a 56-yard punt and Thompson was there right on time to bring down Tennessee's Kyle Phillips. He lost his helmet in the process, but it didn't matter.
Thompson was an incredible special teams player during his career at Georgia State, which is why the Vikings signed him as a UDFA this year. That ability has carried over to the NFL. Thompson has the acceleration, speed, and knowledge of timing and technique to beat double-teams and fly to the ball as a gunner. At this point, it would be surprising if he isn't out there on special teams when the Vikings open the regular season against the Buccaneers in three weeks. He looks like a perfect replacement for Kris Boyd, who left in free agency this year.
Vikings special teams coordinator Matt Daniels had high praise for Thompson after last week's game. Head coach Kevin O'Connell even brought up former Patriots teammate Matthew Slater when talking about Thompson, which is quite the compliment. Slater is one of the greatest special teams players ever.
Thompson earned a poor Relative Athletic Score this year that included a 4.6 40-yard dash, but it's clear from watching him play that he's not a 4.6 guy. His nickname is "flash" and his speed clearly shows up in games.
The Vikings might have a legitimate special teams weapon on their hands.
Update: Thompson was taken to the locker room shortly after his big play. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said after the game that Thompson was experiencing some concussion symptoms, so he'll go into the protocol.
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