Cardinals select Jalen Thompson in 2019 NFL Supplemental Draft

The Arizona Cardinals continued their roster rebuild in the 2019 Supplemental Draft by selecting former Washington safety Jalen Thompson in the fifth round.

Thompson was considered the top prospect available in this year’s supplemental draft. It was widely assumed he’d be selected with a Day-3 selection.

The Cardinals will sacrifice their fifth-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft for Thompson, who would’ve been one of the more coveted safety prospects in next year’s class.

Thompson generated a lot of buzz in the run-up to the supplemental draft and worked out on Monday in front of 26 teams. NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline reported Thompson ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at 5-10, 186 pounds.

Thompson entered the supplemental draft after losing his final year of eligibility at Washington for allegedly taking a banned substance.

The Cardinals depth chart at safety is suddenly much more interesting with Thompson’s arrival. Budda Baker and DJ Swearinger are slated to start, with Deionte Thompson pegged as the likely top reserve.

Baker and Swearinger have a history of production in the NFL and shouldn’t feel much of a threat from Thompson, but the Cardinals’ investment in the former Cougar is evidence they aren’t 100% comfortable with the safety room right now.

Thompson finished last season as an honorable mention All-Pac 12 performer after starting all 13 games at free safety. He ranked fourth in tackles for Washington State (67) with eight pass breakups and two interceptions. In 2017, he earned second-team All-Pac 12 honors. He made 26 starts over the last two years.

The Supplemental Draft usually comes and goes without much to get excited about, but Cardinals fans landed a legitimate player who has the upside to not only contribute this season but eventually start in the not-too-distant future.