NFL draft account 2026:James Thompson Jr (Defensive electrical contractor, Illinois)

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The 2026 NFL Draft remains in Pittsburgh! This draft duration, we’ll be browsing as much of the leading potential customers that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their eye on. We’ll damages down the possible consumers themselves, endurances and powerlessness, anticipated draft sources, and their fit with the Steelers.The Steelers could perhaps make use of an additional protective electrician in this year’s draft. Illinois’James Thompson Jr is a name to appreciate in the later rounds.AdvertisementThe principles on James Thompson Jr.Position: Defensive electricianDefensive statistics through Sports ReferralJames Thompson Jr. searching recordJames Thompson Jr. might not be the flashiest name in the 2026 safety line course, yet his tape divulges a solid, experienced Big 10 starter that can most definitely produce a lengthy NFL occupation.Thompson’s campaign is what stands apart mostly. He’s not a ludicrous expert athlete or among one of the most efficient gamer, yet his electric motor is constantly running. He search out plays past the line of skirmish and does not quit dealing with blocks till the whistle (No. 90 in all clips). That playing design rollovers to Thompson’s run defense, which is the very best element of his computer game. I would not always call him a real run glutton– at 310 added pounds he’s not considerable, and he can shed some initial placing on combination blocks and regularly acquire changed and pressed out of plays. But he significantly holds his ground with a solid, 6 6 structure, and his initiative help him make stops likewise on affiliates where he’s pressed back in the beginning.Watching Thompson split dual teams is a reward and an instead common incident. He does not give up, checks the ball service provider, and frequently utilizes his hands to harm free. His 41 overall handle were a work high by a strong margin in 2025 AdAs a pass thrill, however, Thompson does not use practically as much. He’s never ever before had higher than 3 sacks in a period, with his bull excitement not pushing the pocket much and acquiring extremely couple of fast success in the video games I appreciated. However, there are flashes of reliable hand usage, fractured, and power– Thompson was asked to have greater than attack in Illinois’ protection, so I still think there’s some upside there.However, the elephant in the area is that Thompson spent 6 years in college football (I can not locate a credible source for his age), making him an older possibility that perhaps will not come to a head much more when he gets to the NFL. Still, his sports screening (an above-average 8 83 RAS with masteries) was a favorable sign, as were the go crazy testimonials from the Shrine Bowl.Thompson accounts as a solid Day 3 choice, with his campaign and excellent run protection boding well for a deepness location on an NFL protective line. He similarly emphasized and down the line of altercation at Illinois, showcasing some benefit at numerous places. He can be a vital rotational thing down the road.AdvertisementStrengthsIncredible electrical motor; constantly chasing plays via the endCapable of holding up/splitting twin teamsGood, nonetheless sometimes irregular of hand usageGets hands in passing lanesWeaknessesSlightly lean for a run stufferCan be guided out of playsWhat others are mentioning worrying James Thompson Jr.Mason Riney, Buccaneers CordJames Thompson Jr. accounts as an extensive yet strong, educated indoor protective electrical contractor with a plainly specified power-oriented capacity. His flick reveals a player that, often, semi-understands simply exactly how to utilize his take advantage of, measurement, and size to influence the computer game, specifically versus the run. He consistently offers strong campaign, energetic hands, and understanding when entailed with blockers, permitting him to stay connected with plays past his initial job.Jason Langendorf, Sports IllustratedThe hulking Thompson is pure power– or, at 6 -foot- 6 and 310 added pounds (and perhaps currently 320, he most definitely appears it. Yet he in addition has fun with top quality method at the line. He has the measurement, base and make use of to bind numerous blockers, drive electrician in reverse and obstruct run lanes, yet he similarly understands specifically just how to use his hands to transform his man, create and obtain an angle seepage. And he will not remain obstructed. At Wisconsin, he made a variety of tackles after consisting of, coming off and going down a round service provider from behind.NFL Draft RubiesAs a pass thrill, he is ordinary to shoddy. As an outcome of his support endurance can inhabit protectors that make sacks which can make up his absence of manufacturing. Has an outstanding long-arm method and a suitable swim relocate the video games took a look at, nonetheless frequently gets minimized the impacts of independently and subjects his top body. Sometimes overpursues the QB as opposed to playing within his framework controlled. Has an outstanding initial step yet isn’t particularly eruptive in either location. Plays with excellent initiative and continues to be in the mission without any loafing.James Thompson Jr.’s fit with the SteelersDefensive line deepness is crucial in the NFL, particularly as it’s a setup where injuries tend to collect. If Thompson exists with amongst the Steelers’ 6th- or seventh-round choices in this year’s draft, he can verify to be a smart alternative that submits the space well.However, Pittsburgh does not have numerous open position on its D-line deepness graph getting in the duration, and I ‘d most likely like a much more higher-upside and vibrant choice as Web web cam Heyward, Sebastian Joesph-Day, and possibly likewise Keeanu Benton will not be around a lot longer. But if Thompson is the choice at the placement– for that reason a lot he’s the only Steelers leading- 30 most likely to on the protective line– he requires to be a solid DL 5/ 6 for whichever group calls his number.AdvertisementTL; DR: Thompson is a sixth-year college safety electrical contractor that goes to his finest securing the run nonetheless can still have some upside as a pass rush. If his sack production does not mirror his complete worth, What energised hands and continuously electrical motor allow him to divide twin groups likewise.Illinois are your ideas on James Thompson Jr safety electrician And.? Allow which prepare potential customers would definitely you such as to see profiled following? (*) us recognize in the comments listed below!