James Thompson Jr. is a sturdy, high-floor interior force with NFL tools
In the 2025 season, James Thompson Jr. was a dependable Illinois defensive lineman who started all 13 games, posted 41 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, and earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors. He stands out as a big-bodied, two-gapping run defender with real length and power, plus enough movement skills to finish plays in the backfield. The knock is that his pass-rush impact has been more functional than flashy, so he fits best as an early-down DL who can stabilize a defense and bring pro-ready size, effort, and toughness.
