2019 NFL Supplemental Draft Player Profile: Jalen Thompson
By Cory Kinnan
Jalen Thompson, S, Washington State – Attributes, Strengths
Height: 6-0
Weight: 190 pounds
Year: Junior
2016 Production
35 solo tackles
3 tackles for loss
7 passes defended
1 forced fumble
2017 Production
46 solo tackles
5.5 tackles for loss
4 interceptions
2 passes defended
2018 Production
40 solo tackles
3 tackles for loss
2 interceptions
8 passes defended
1 forced fumble
*Thompson is scheduled to work out for teams; no testing numbers to this point.
Strengths
Thompson offers a ton of flexibility to a potential defense, as he plays in the nickel, over the top of the defense, and even creeps toward the line of scrimmage on occasions.
It is evident by watching Thompson pre-snap that he is an extremely intelligent player, and often calling audibles and making adjustments to the secondary; it is rare that he is in the wrong position by the time the ball is snapped.
On outside runs, sweeps and swings, Thompson is talented about getting out into space. He takes great angles to meet the ball carrier as close to the line of scrimmage as possible and is more than a sufficient open field tackler.
While Thompson will never be placed on an island and his reps in man coverage should be limited, he is no slouch in one-on-one battles against backs, tight ends and receivers. He is a great umbrella over-the-top as well, evidenced by his six career interceptions over the last two years of his career.