Through the early portion of coach Sean Payton's regime, the New Orleans Saints had outstanding luck with undrafted running backs. The best example is Pierre Thomas, who was overlooked by all in 2007 and went on to become one of the best backs in franchise history. Chris Ivory (2010-2012), Khiry Robinson (2013-2015), and even Travaris Cadet (2012-2016) all followed as undrafted backs who had moderate success with the franchise.
Over the last six years, the team has not had the same kind of success. Only Tony Jones Jr. had even a small contribution as an undrafted or late-round pick at the position. Jones had 204 yards from scrimmage in three years with the Saints but averaged a meager 2.8 yards per carry.
With Alvin Kamara and either Mark Ingram or Latavius Murray in the backfield, there was no issue. Over the last couple of years, however, the team has been limited to only Kamara out of the backfield.
This offseason, the Saints added 1,000-yard free-agent Jamaal Williams and third-round pick Kendre Miller to bolster the position. Another name that could be a factor is this undrafted rookie.
RB - SaRodorick Thompson
Texas Tech
6'0" 217-Lbs.
After a redshirt year in 2018, Thompson led the Red Raiders with 765 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns in 2019 while adding 39 receptions for 154 yards. He'd repeat the feat in 2020 with 610 yards and 8 scores on the ground with 21 catches and 124 yards.
Sharing backfield duties with Tahj Brooks in 2021, Thompson had only 500 yards rushing and just six catches, but scored a team-high 10 times. He'd cap off his Texas Tech career with 684 yards rushing and seven touchdowns with 23 receptions for 125 and another score.
Thompson's Red Raiders career concluded with 2,664 yards rushing and 40 touchdowns (3rd in school history), plus 91 catches for 526 yards.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Thompson put on a solid performance. His 4.67 40 time, 1.56 10-yard split, 10-foot broad jump, and 4.7 20-yard shuttle showcased good all-around athleticism.
Texas Tech runs a spread offense, so Thompson must first be able to show he can read blocks from a conventional formation and be productive against a stacked box. His breakaway speed is just average and he struggles to suddenly change direction. Most of his yards come from straight ahead power, but he had a tendency to show too much hesitation before hitting the line.
Despite decent receiving numbers, Thompson was never used on a variety of routes. To be a versatile threat, he'll have to expand his route tree quickly and prove he can pick up the blitz. He must show more decisiveness as a runner and receiver.
Thompson has all the physical traits that teams covet at the position. He runs through contact with power and has proven reliable in short yardage situations. He'll hit the hole with excellent pad level that allows him to maintain his power well into a run.
Thompson seems to have good vision and anticipation of developing blocks. This allows him to see a hole as it's happening and he has agile enough feet to make one cut and get north-south quickly.
An angry runner with a finishing demeanor, Thompson keeps a pile moving and has a nose for the goal line. He also shows good natural hands as a receiver and should at least be a good check-down option as he learns an offense.
SaRodorick Thompson has an enticing blend of size, power, and decent athleticism. It didn't always translate to production on the field. It'll be quickly obvious whether that's because he's an indecisive runner who lacks instincts or that he played in a limited system.
If it's the former, then he has a style reminiscent of Chris Ivory/Khiry Robinson from the early part of last decade. If it's the latter, then Thompson becomes part of a more recent list that looks good on a training camp field but lacks the complete tools for an NFL roster.
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