Arizona Cardinals: 3 rising stars in 2020

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 15: Jalen Thompson #34 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball after picking up a fumble while attempting to avoid a tackle by Kareen Hunt #27 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at State Farm Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Cardinals won 38-24. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Jalen Thompson

He was a Supplemental Draft pick by the Cardinals in 2019 who surprised a number of people by just how well he played once he arrived. He probably didn’t surprise the Cardinals themselves though.

Thompson, a safety out of Washington State, came from a school not really known for their defensive talent. Still, Thompson made an almost immediate impact.

He played in 15 games, starting 9 of them. He had 56 tackles and an interception in his rookie season. He also recovered a fumble for 24-yards.

He played at least 94 percent or more of the team’s defensive snaps in 5 of the last 7 games. That is a sure sign the Cardinals feel comfortable with him.

Next. Murray joining franchise greats. dark

Paired with an already rising star in safety Budda Baker, those two should give headaches to opposing offenses for a long time to come. Thompson, like Murphy, still has a lot to learn but he is well on his way to stardom in this league,

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