With the eighth pick in the fifth round (144th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected defensive back Mykkele Thompson out of Texas.
He becomes the fourth member of the Giants' 2015 draft class, joining Miami offensive lineman Ereck Flowers, All-American Alabama safety Landon Collins, and UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa.
1. CAREER CAPSULE
A four-year defensive back who played in 52 games with 31 starts, Thompson appeared in every game during his four seasons. He finished his college career with 213 tackles (125 solo), seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
CAREER HIGHS
Tackles: 12, two times, vs. Oklahoma (So.) and vs. Oregon State (So.)
Tackles for loss: 1, seven times, last vs. TCU (Sr.)
Sacks: 0.5, two times, at Iowa State (Jr.) and vs. North Texas (Sr.)
Pass breakups: 1, three times, last vs. Iowa State (Sr.)
Interceptions: 1, two times, vs. Oklahoma State (Jr.) and at Texas Tech (Sr.)
Forced fumbles: 1, two times, vs. New Mexico (So.) and vs. Arkansas (Sr.)
Blocked kicks: 1, three times, at Iowa State (Fr.), vs. New Mexico (So.), at Ole Miss (So.)
2. MEASURABLES
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 191 lbs.
40-yard dash: 4.47 and 4.48 seconds
Vertical jump: 36 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet, 6 inches
Short shuttle: 4.46 seconds
3-cone: 6.97 seconds
Bench: 18 reps of 225 pounds
3. SENIOR SEASON
Photos of notable players who were drafted 144th overall
1965: DT Frank Cornish
1977: DE Joe Klecko
1947: RB Jon Keyworth
1981: DB Johnnie Poe
In 2014, Thompson started all 13 games at either safety or nickel cornerback, recording 69 tackles (48 solo), four tackles for loss, an interception and a forced fumble.
4. SPECIAL TEAMS ACE
As a freshman, Thompson led the team with eight special teams tackles and helped Texas lead the Big 12 and rank sixth in the nation in rushing defense (96.23 ypg) and 11th in total defense (306.08) as well as 10th in pass efficiency defense (111.0). Thompson had three career blocked punts.
5. HIGH SCHOOL/PERSONAL
Thompson was born in Naples, Italy, before moving to England, Georgia, and then San Antonio in 2002. Coached by Lee Bridges at Stevens High School, Thompson was all-state, two-time first-team all-area and three-time first-team all-district performer at multiple positions. He was named an Old Spice Player of the Year as a three-year starter who tallied 3,614 yards rushing and 48 TDs, 1,280 yards passing and nine TDs and 31 receptions for 428 yards and five TDs over his final two seasons.
Photos of Texas DB Mykkele Thompson
