Dealing with a rash of defensive injuries has the Bucs examining potential free agents. One of those potential additions could be free agent linebacker Erroll Thompson. Per ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Falcons defender is working out for the Bucs on Monday.
Free agent linebacker Erroll Thompson is working out for the Bucs tomorrow, per source. Was a three-year starter at Mississippi State and had entered the league as a UDFA with the Falcons.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) October 18, 2021
Thompson was a stud at Mississippi State, recording 312 tackles, 23 tackles-for-loss, ten sacks and three interceptions in four years. A hard-hitting, old school linebacker, Thompson’s 6-0, 240-pound frame with nearly 33-inch arms is a throwback physique. The run-stuffing rookie didn’t stick in Atlanta due to a lack of athleticism. Thompson ran a 4.81 40-yard dash at his pro day, while jumping just 30 1/2 inches.
In ample preseason playing time, Thompson was solid in run defense and as a tackler. But he was exposed in coverage, where he allowed all seven of his targets to be completed for 130 yards and a touchdown, per PFF. There could be potential for Thompson as a special teamer, but his lack of athleticism makes him a long shot in the NFL.
The Bucs don’t have a linebacker on the practice squad right now, and Lavonte David is nursing a sprained ankle. If David can’t return in Week 7, the Bucs will rely on linebackers Devin White, Kevin Minter, K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard.