The Chicago Bears are on a mission to fortify their defense, which faced some significant challenges last season. With the NFL draft on the horizon, the Bears' general manager, Ryan Poles, is keenly focused on bolstering the defensive line. One name on their radar is Washington's interior defensive lineman, Anterio Thompson, who is set for a key visit with the team.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-4 and weighing 310 pounds, Thompson showcased his skills in all 13 games during his senior season at Washington. His performance was solid, playing 397 snaps and recording 16 pressures, including three sacks, along with 23 tackles. Primarily lining up in the B gap, Thompson proved to be a formidable presence for the Huskies.
Thompson's journey to Washington was anything but ordinary. Before landing there in 2025, he made stops at three different colleges.
At Western Michigan, he played all 13 games, racking up 17 pressures and 23 tackles. In 2023, he was with the University of Iowa, where he played seven games and even blocked two punts.
His collegiate career began at Iowa Western Community College in 2022, where he impressed with 32 tackles and six sacks over 12 games.
Despite not receiving an invitation to the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Thompson made waves at his Pro Day. He clocked a remarkable 4.75 seconds in the 40-yard dash, benched 225 pounds for 30 reps, and achieved a 9’6” broad jump. These stats put him in the upper echelon of prospects, comparable to top performers at the Combine.
Thompson's Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.36 out of 10 is a testament to his athletic prowess, ranking him 136th out of over 2,000 defensive tackle prospects since 1987. This aligns with the Bears' strategy under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who values players with explosive capabilities and quickness off the line.
While Thompson's talent is evident, the Bears will delve into his collegiate journey across four programs, a key part of their evaluation process. Improving the defense is a priority for the Bears, and identifying players like Thompson could be crucial in turning the tide for the upcoming season.