Arizona Cardinals: 5 second-year players looking to contribute

Even though the Arizona Cardinals had 11 selections in the 2019 NFL draft they opted to take one more in the supplemental draft. That player was defensive back Jalen Thompson from Washington State.

Unique to the others in this list, Thompson found a starting role for himself during the 2019 season. He appeared in 15 games and started 9 after securing his position as the starting strong safety.

His season was solidly average from a statistics viewpoint, he allowed an 83.3% completion rate when targeted, but he did only only 203 yards and 1 touchdown. Not bad numbers for a rookie. His 57 tackles were enough for sixth best on the team.

Also unique to this list, the Cardinals did not make a significant move in free agency or the draft to supplement to the safety position. It is easy to take that to mean the organization believes in Budda Baker, who has certainly earned it, and the young second-year Thompson.

If Thompson continues to work on tackling and pass coverage it is likely he will be able to retain his spot with the Arizona Cardinals and continue contributing to what is hopefully a much-improved defense in 2020.