Saladin, I don't know anything about Thompson, a complete mystery to me - if he has amazing moves, speed, stamina..but you obviously have enough background on him, or have seen him in college enough to have dared pose the question, LOL, so the fact you even asked it leads me to believe you think the kid has talent.
He could demonstrate something special this summer, in the way of vision, or cutting or juking, to make Bill sit up and notice. But he won't get enough carries to do the things he would need to do get into a competition with JJ..won't have a shot at learning enough about blitz pick ups or blocking, for instance, which are always critical to Bill. And to compete with JJ he would have to demonstrate a lot of stamina, would have to end the camp with "feature back' written all over him, not change of pace back, which it right now sounds like he's slated for. He'll be playing behind second and first team olinemen this summer, against the same level of defenders. Whatever good he shows will get immediately "qualified", even a few startling good runs will get 'put in perspective', and perhaps, too much so.
I doubt he gets anywhere near the game time or even practice snaps for that shot at competing with JJ. His character, stamina, heart, leadership. like his total package of physical ability, will have to show itself over time. He won't get the immediate attention a high round pick gets. For there to be any shot at unseating Jones as a feature back..he needs to pass the first hurdle, making the final 53.
But he certainly has as chancee to impress as a runner, on that pure talent you mentioned that does show itself early. Luckily for him. Bill has an excellent eye for that talent..and if the kid has enough, I doubt he will even risk him to the ps.
Some of the responses here were out there..more so than your question, imo. But I think many of us just have no idea what this kid is about, so the implication he is THAT good sounds a bit outlandish.
But you never know..good luck to him!
