The Kansas City Chiefs showed quite a bit of pre-draft interest in Stephen F. Austin DE BJ Thompson before his eventual selection in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Thompson met with the Chiefs at the East-West Shrine Bowl, met with them again at his pro day and visited the team ahead of the draft. There was also another interaction that seemed to be an important one.
Asked about his first impression of defensive line coach Joe Cullen, Thompson revealed that he already had an idea of the type of coach he was. That’s because he also participated in a private workout for the Chiefs after his pro day.
“Coach (Joe) Cullen, he came to my private workout a couple of days after my pro day,” Thompson said. “So, I already kind of had a little impression of him. I like him. I like his coaching style. He likes to get after it.”
Cullen seemed to be leading the charge on landing Thompson in the draft. The rookie defender said that they maintained contact throughout the draft and that Cullen made good on a promise.
“You know we talked all throughout the pre-draft process,” Thompson said. “He said he was going to do all he could to get me and whatnot. He did just that.”
What intrigued Cullen the most about Thompson as a player? Thompson specifically pointed to one area of his game.
“Just my athletic ability, I think,” Thompson said. “My ability to rush the passer and do a multitude of things. I feel like he’s excited to be able to coach me.”
Thompson’s athletic numbers from his pro day landed in the elite ranges, posting numbers that are more common for a receiver and not an edge rusher. That athleticism pops off the tape, but he’s also considered underweight for Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme at 243 pounds.
“Yeah, most definitely, I plan on gaining some more weight,” Thompson said. “Me and coach talked about that. So, yeah. I’m just going to continue doing that.”
Cullen’s influence is already being felt by the young player, just a few days into rookie minicamp. Whether it’s transforming his body for the NFL game or otherwise, Thompson appears pleased with his new coach.
“Like I said, we’re getting in shape while working with him and he’s going to coach you hard,” Thompson said. “I’m proud to be one of his players.”
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