Thompson Tries To Convince the Scouts He's NFL Worthy

Former Washington defensive tackle looks to prove his worth after not being invited to NFL Combine

Mar. 22, 2026 at 7:35pm

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Anterio Thompson, a former University of Washington defensive tackle, is trying to convince NFL scouts that he deserves a chance in the league despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. Thompson impressed at Husky Pro Day, bench-pressing 225 pounds 30 times and moving well in agility drills, but he faces questions about not being a full-time starter in college.

Why it matters

Thompson's story highlights the challenges some college players face in trying to make the jump to the NFL, especially those who weren't full-time starters or didn't receive an invite to the prestigious NFL Combine. His determination to prove himself could inspire other overlooked prospects.

The details

Thompson, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound defensive tackle, played for four different schools over the past four years, including Iowa Western Community College, Iowa, Western Michigan, and Washington. At the four-year level, he started a dozen games for Western Michigan and two for the Huskies, sharing time with other defensive tackles. He finished last season with 30 tackles, more than his counterparts, but the lack of full-time starting experience raises questions about his NFL potential.

  • Thompson participated in Husky Pro Day on March 22, 2026.

The players

Anterio Thompson

A 6-foot-4, 310-pound former University of Washington defensive tackle who is trying to convince NFL scouts that he deserves a chance in the league despite not being invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Elinneus Davis

A 6-foot-3, 317-pound defensive tackle who started nine games for the Huskies last season and has two more seasons of eligibility remaining, making him a more desirable NFL prospect.

Bryce Butler

A 6-foot-4, 325-pound defensive tackle who started two games for the Huskies last season before transferring to Texas Tech for his final year of college.

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What they’re saying

“I would say I definitely got a lot more to improve on. I really felt like I wanted to get that extra year just to fine tune some techniques and tools that I could definitely translate.”

— Anterio Thompson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.