Arizona Cardinals Alternate Logo

Jalen Thompson

Jalen Thompson Player Profile

Summary

  • Drafted: 5th round, selected via the 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona Cardinals

  • College: Washington State University. ESPN.com

  • Key Statistics: Through 2024, Thompson has played in 84 games, making 72 starts for Arizona, compiling 480 total tackles, 9 interceptions, 31 pass deflections, 1 sack, and several forced fumbles / fumble recoveries. Arizona CardinalsIn 2023 he had a breakout season: 78 tackles, 4 interceptions, 9 pass deflections, 5 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, and a forced fumble. Arizona Cardinals

  • Career Accolades: Not a highly decorated college star, but has earned respect in the NFL as a high‑work‑rate, well-rounded safety. He’s become a core defensive back, trusted in major defensive roles.

  • Character / Profile: Known as a smart, versatile safety who plays with a high motor. He is one of the only active players selected via the NFL Supplemental Draft. Arizona Cardinals His coaches and analysts praise his ability to make pre‑snap checks, his defensive intelligence, and his willingness to play physical and make tackles. SI

Strengths

  • High tackle production — Consistently racks up tackles; over 400 tackles from 2021–2024. Arizona Cardinals

  • Playmaking / take‑away ability — Has 9 career interceptions and shows good ball skills. Stats Crew

  • Versatility — Capable in coverage, run support, and blitz packages; his 2023 season featured tackles for loss, QB hits, and pass defense. Arizona Cardinals

  • Instincts & football intelligence — His positioning, pre‑snap checks, and ability to understand coverage schemes give him an edge. SI

  • Consistency & durability — A regular starter for years; dependable presence in the Cardinals’ secondary. Arizona Cardinals

  • Toughness / physicality — Willing to mix it up near the line, support the run, and deliver hits.

  • Leadership and communication — Plays an important role in the back end of Arizona’s defense, often making alignment and coverage calls.

Weaknesses

  • Size limitations — At ~5’11” and 190 lbs, he’s not a big safety; may struggle against bigger runners or tight ends. ESPN.com

  • Limited pass‑rush impact — He has just 1.0 career sack, indicating that he’s not often a true blitzer. Arizona Cardinals

  • Coverage explosiveness — Not the fastest to close deep or make extremely explosive plays in deep coverage (his PFF coverage grade is moderate). PFF

  • Big-play risk — While he makes tackles, his plus/minus in certain high-leverage coverage situations can be inconsistent.

  • Supplemental-draft pedigree — Being a supplemental pick (rather than standard draft) may carry perception risk, though he’s proven that concern largely wrong.

  • Injury / long-term durability — While not a crash risk, his smaller frame and high usage (tackling safeties take a toll) may raise long-term concerns.

Fit & Outlook

Jalen Thompson fits best as a starting safety in a defense that values multiple roles — someone who can handle deep coverage, support the run, and occasionally blitz. In Arizona’s scheme, he is especially valuable because he can play near the line of scrimmage, make tackles, and also drop into coverage. Looking ahead, he projects as a core defensive back, particularly if the Cardinals or any future team continue to build a safety pairing. His high motor, experience, and versatility make him an asset for multiple defensive fronts. While he may not be the flashiest safety, his consistent production and football IQ give him a strong outlook as a trusted piece in the secondary.