Jalen

Thompson

Thompson (5'10/186) was a very active slot corner at Washington State, showcasing enough man-coverage skills for the Cardinals to burn a 2020 5th round pick. The safety will be a depth option early in his career, but The Athletic’s Dane Brugler believes Thompson can earn a starting role with some development. Overall, Thompson’s upside is limited by his size and average athleticism and that’s likely why he “fell” to Round 5 after earning some Round 2 and Round 3 love.

This is Thompson’s (5'10/186) ceiling since he comes in undersized and as an average athlete. It’s more likely that Thompson slides in as a Round 3-5 pick. The safety prospect’s best attribute comes against slot receivers and tight ends, showing tight man-coverage skills with decent ball skills. A couple dozen teams showed up to Thompson’s workout and he’s been flown out to team headquarters for further evaluation since.

Thompson (5'10/186) also participated in the vertical (33.5 inches), broad (10-foot-4), short shuttle (4.16 seconds), three-cone (6.98 seconds), and bench press (11 reps). His measurables aren’t overly impressive, but he also didn’t have the multi-month lead up to practice for the tests. Still, Thompson is a Round 2, 3, or 4 supplemental draft prospect as a slot corner or safety.

The Spokesman Review’s Theo Lawson reports it was not a steroid, but it was a supplement that is a violation of NCAA rules. Ironically, the supplement made Thompson (6'0/191) enter the NFL’s Supplemental Draft, where all teams will have interest. Considered a Day 2 prospect, Thompson offers talent and versatility as a high-end slot corner and safety. Expect Thompson to be drafted despite this violation. He’s working out for teams on July 8.

Thompson (6'0/191) learned he wasn’t going to be eligible to play college ball in 2019, so he’ll try his luck with the NFL’s other draft. After two strong seasons at Washington State, Thompson should end up being drafted as an intriguing slot corner and safety prospect. To crack an active roster as a rookie, he’ll need to show some special teams value, but he had some experience doing so in college. This is a big loss for the Cougars.

The QB rating on such plays was a laughable 51.5 last season. Thompson (6'0/191) is one of the clear plusses on a team that could be heading into a bit of a rebuilding downturn during the upcoming season. He put up 73 tackles with a hearty four interceptions during the past season. The NFL could have some level of interest in him if he declares for next spring’s draft after the coming campaign.