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NFL Supplemental Draft: Scouting S Jalen Thompson’s fit with the Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Jay MacIntyre #14 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by safety Jalen Thompson #34 of the Washington State Cougars after making a catch during the third quarter at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Wide receiver Jay MacIntyre #14 of the Colorado Buffaloes is tackled by safety Jalen Thompson #34 of the Washington State Cougars after making a catch during the third quarter at Folsom Field on November 19, 2016 in Boulder, Colorado. Colorado defeated Washington State 38-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by defensive back Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 9: Wide receiver Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals is tackled by defensive back Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Redskins during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

How Thompson would fit with the Redskins

Considering how thin the safety depth chart, it is easy to find a potential home for Thompson on the Redskins. He could come in as a backup and special teams player while challenging for a spot as a future starter.

As it stands, the Redskins have Landon Collins solidified as their top option at safety. Aside from him, things are less certain. It appears that Montae Nicholson will be given one more chance to prove himself as a starter and if he can regain his form from his rookie season in 2017, he could solidify that spot. However, if he looks more like he did in 2018, he will become a backup.

Meanwhile, Deshazor Everett appears to be a No. 3 safety at the best. He has proven to be a great backup and strong spot starter, but relying on him as a long-term starter hasn’t worked. But considering how good he is on special teams, it’s likely that he will make the roster.

The decision on whether or not to target Thompson hinges on what the ‘Skins think of two players. That’s Troy Apke and JoJo McIntosh. Apke was a fourth-round pick by the team in 2018 and despite being an elite athlete, many viewed him as a reach. He hasn’t been good on the field so far in his career and spent most of his first season on IR. If the team isn’t confident with his progress as a safety, they may view him solely as a special teams option. If that’s the case, he could be in danger of being cut.

As for McIntosh, he’s an undrafted free agent out of Washington that has a lot of upside. He could emerge as a solid depth option, but again, he is unproven. If the team likes Thompson’s upside more than McIntosh, they could still target Thompson in the supplemental draft with the hope of stashing McIntosh on the practice squad for a season.

Next. Breaking down the Redskins safety depth chart. dark

At the very worst, Thompson would be the fourth safety if the Redskins use a pick on him. And at the best, he could challenge Nicholson for playing time. Either way, there is certainly a way that Washington could find a way to get Thompson on the roster if they like his skill set.

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