2027 NFL Draft Summer Report: Jalen Thompson, edge, Arizona State

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans and give them names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so that Bucs fans can be the most informed.

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

• 6-foot-3, 260 pounds
• Senior

• Detroit, Michigan native

• Cass Technical High School graduate

• Arizona State transfer from Michigan State

• Former consensus four-star recruit

• Former No. 1 defensive end recruit in Michigan

• Two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection

• Two-time Academic All-District selection

• Logged more than 1,000 defensive snaps during his Michigan State career

Cass Technical High School graduate

Arizona State transfer from Michigan State

Former No. 1 defensive end recruit in Michigan

Two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection

Two-time Academic All-District selection

Logged more than 1,000 defensive snaps during his Michigan State career

• 66 career tackles

• 13 tackles for loss

• 4.5 sacks

• Four pass breakups

• One forced fumble

• 26 career starts

• 31 career appearances

• 1,007 career defensive snaps

• 43 career pressures

• 6 quarterback hits

• 32 hurries

• 79.1 run-defense grade in 2024

• 73.7 tackling grade in 2025

• 74.7 overall defensive grade in 2023

• Above-average coverage grades during multiple seasons

74.7 overall defensive grade in 2023

Above-average coverage grades during multiple seasons

• Positional versatility

• Twitchy first step

• Good bend

• Functional athleticism

• Effective blitzer

• Comfortable in coverage

• Strong football intelligence

• Active hands

• Ball awareness

• High motor

• Twist and stunt experience

• Creates disruption from multiple alignments

• Plays with aggression and urgency

Creates disruption from multiple alignments

Sack production has lagged behind traits

Pass-rush move set remains developmental

Can become overly aggressive, attacking the quarterback

Screen recognition needs improvement

Balance occasionally suffers when maximizing bend

Jalen Thompson enters the 2026 season as one of the more intriguing defensive transfers in the country.

After spending three seasons at Michigan State, Thompson arrives at Arizona State with over 1,000 career defensive snaps and a reputation as a versatile defender capable of contributing in multiple ways. While his statistical production does not immediately jump off the page, the film suggests a player whose impact extends well beyond the box score.

One of the first things that stands out is Thompson’s versatility. Throughout the film, he aligns as a traditional stand-up edge defender, operates from off-ball linebacker alignments, executes twists and stunts, and even drops into coverage responsibilities. Arizona State is not adding a one-dimensional pass rusher. Instead, the Sun Devils are getting a player who can move around the front seven and contribute in several different roles.

Thompson also looks more athletic on film than his production would suggest. He displays good twitch at the snap, quality bend around the edge, and enough movement skills to operate comfortably in space. His preferred pass-rush approach often involves using head fakes to influence blockers before attacking whichever lane presents itself. Rather than relying on a dominant power move or elite speed rush, he creates opportunities through timing, effort, and awareness.

His football intelligence shows up repeatedly. Thompson understands how to work within pressure packages, times delayed blitzes effectively, and appears comfortable executing movement-based concepts. He also shows comfort dropping into the flats, maintaining awareness of both route concepts and quarterback movement while handling coverage responsibilities.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Thompson’s game is his approach to the football. He constantly hunts for opportunities to create disruption. Whether attacking passing lanes, punching at the football, or chasing quarterbacks, Thompson consistently looks to impact the play. Several reps result in pressure that creates opportunities for teammates, illustrating how his influence often exceeds his personal statistics.

The biggest area for growth involves discipline and refinement. Thompson can become so focused on reaching the quarterback that he occasionally misses developing screens, option concepts, or other offensive wrinkles designed to exploit aggressive defenders. His pass-rush toolbox is also still developing, leaving room for additional growth as he continues to refine his technique.

The traits are evident. The versatility is evident. The athleticism is evident. If Thompson can combine those traits with improved discipline and a more polished pass-rush plan, Arizona State may have landed one of the more underrated defensive transfers in college football.