Feb 27, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mississippi State wideout Brenan Thompson (WO39) speaks to members of the media during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images

New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: WR Brenen Thompson, Mississippi State

Originally posted on New York Giants on SI
By Nick Falato | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 9:00 AM ET

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Brenen Thompson, WR

Height: 5’9”
Weight: 164 lbs
Arm length: 29 ⅜”
Hand size: 9”
Class: Senior
School: Mississippi State
40-yard-dash: 4.26s
10-yard-solit: 1.54s
STATS

A former four-star recruit out of Spearman High School in Spearman, Texas, where he was the 21st Texan and the 20th wide receiver during the 2022 recruiting class.

Thompson transferred twice in college; he started at Texas, but transferred to Oklahoma after just one season. He spent two seasons in Oklahoma before finishing his career at Mississippi State.

Thompson earned a Second-Team All-SEC honor in 2025, his lone season at Mississippi State. Thompson’s 40-yard dash lit up the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which wasn’t too surprising judging by his tape. He also participated in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.

Ayrton Breckenridge/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Strengths

Elite deep speed – came close to beating Combine record
Vertical SHOCK speed – breakaway threat
Elite foot-speed at the LOS – feather light!
Excellent footwork as a route runner
Exceptional vertical route ability
Threatening vertical stem – gets DBs on their heels
Smooth mover with a difference making feel
Great overall athletic ability – can sink and pivot well
Has three gears and varies his speed well
Good ability to change direction in his second gear (has three gears)
Give him space and he’s gone – 7 of his 10 touchdowns were 40+ yards
Flashes hands when catching in front of him
Has the acrobat catch trait – will dive and secure passes
Very good ability to adjust to football on vertical plane
Concentration + body control on vertical plane is great
End around threat
Returned his lone punt in 2025 for 44 yards

Weaknesses

Frame is small with surprisingly limited catch radius
Small wide receiver in general
Moves too fast to transition in his third gear
Limited contested catch player – will not command a catch point
Can round the top of his routes out too much
More effective on vertical plane
Eliminated by jams
Mostly a slot receiver

Summary

Brenen Thompson is a dangerous deep threat with exceptional footwork and route running ability, especially on the vertical plane. Thompson tracks the football well and makes acrobatic deep ball catches, while possessing angle and game breaking speed. There’s a role for Thompson in the NFL, but the size and strength concerns do hinder his upside.

GRADE: 6.0D

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This article first appeared on New York Giants on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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