UW Defensive Tackle Anterio Thompson Heads to Atlanta in Sixth Round of NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons grabbed Washington's Anterio Thompson in the sixth round of Saturday's NFL draft, making the UW defensive tackle the sixth Husky to hear his name called this year. Thompson, a 6-foot-1, 306-pound senior, went 208th overall. This one's worth watching, even if he's heading to the Falcons and not staying in the Pacific Northwest.

What Makes Thompson a Prospect

Thompson put up 30 tackles last season, including 2.5 for a loss. On paper, that's solid work in the trenches. But here's the scouting report that tells you what the Falcons are betting on: Thompson is an undersized but explosive interior defender with the ability to line up as both a 1-technique and 3-technique in a one-gap scheme.

The catch? He's more potential than proven. The NFL's evaluation notes that Thompson lacks a real track record of consistent production. His snap response quickness needs work, which means he'll have to sharpen his timing at the line to unlock his best disruption. The upside is real, though. He has the athletic tools to convert into a more consistent pass rush down the road, even if he hasn't quite figured it out yet.

A Late Day 3 Bet on Upside

Don't let the sixth-round label fool you. Thompson profiles as a late Day 3 pick with developmental upside, which is exactly where the Falcons found him. This is the kind of selection that doesn't move the needle immediately but could turn into something special if the coaching is right and the light bulb goes on. He's a projection-based prospect, which means Atlanta is banking on growth more than what he's already shown.

Thompson becomes another example of teams using late-round picks on talented kids who need time to develop their craft. For Washington, it's another feather in the cap that six Huskies heard their names called in 2026.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.