2024 Chiefs draft prospect: Wisconsin DT James Thompson Jr.

Week 6 of the college football season is already here. Kansas City Chiefs scouts will be in attendance at several games around the country, scouting all of the talent that 2024 has to offer. Even with the NFL season here, it's important to pay attention to the players who are showing out on Saturday. Many […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Oct 7, 2023 10:45 AM EDT

Week 6 of the college football season is already here.

Kansas City Chiefs scouts will be in attendance at several games around the country, scouting all of the talent that 2024 has to offer. Even with the NFL season here, it's important to pay attention to the players who are showing out on Saturday. Many of the best playmakers will find themselves playing in Arrowhead Stadium this time next year.

I've identified over 160 college prospects to keep an eye on ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, all of whom might be potential fits with the Chiefs. Below you'll find a versatile defensive tackle who is only just scratching the surface.

Wisconsin DT James Thompson Jr.

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 288 pounds

Class: Redshirt Junior

A three-star recruit out of Cincinnati, Ohio, Thompson Jr. had offers from half a dozen schools including Iowa State and Navy. He opted for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he has since appeared in 26 games as a redshirt freshman and redshirt sophomore in 2021 and 2022. During that span, he recorded 29 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery

Thompson Jr. is in the midst of a breakout season for the Badgers' defense with four sacks, 13 pressures, and 10 run stops through four games in 2023. He's not even playing 50% of the defensive snaps for Wisconsin this season, but he's making the absolute most of his opportunities when he does get on the field.

How does he fit in Kansas City?

The reality of the situation in Kansas City is that they might find themselves looking for defensive line help again in 2024. There was no long-term deal for star DT Chris Jones, and it's becoming increasingly likely that he will hit the open market when free agency begins in March. Even if the Chiefs opt for a one-year franchise tag situation, it's clear that they need a long-term solution at defensive tackle with Keondre Coburn and Neil Farrell Jr. as the only two players under contract beyond 2024.

Thompson Jr. is a player who has a similar skill set to Jones. He certainly has the versatility, boasting the ability to line up at 1-tech, 3-tech, 5-tech or defensive end. Not only can he push the pocket and get pressure in the passing game, but he's also a stone wall in the running game. It really feels like he's only just scratching the surface, which is a good thing and a bad thing. Obviously, it could cause him to stay in college another year, but should he declare early, I think a coach like Joe Cullen could get the absolute most out of him.

Round estimation:

Right now, Thompson Jr. is routinely considered a top-150 pick, but if continues on the path he's on now, he'll easily rise into the Day 2 range. Should he declare, I suspect he'll settle in the mid-to-late second round.