The 2026 NFL Draft is in Pittsburgh! This draft season, we’ll be scouting as many of the top prospects that the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their eye on. We’ll break down the prospects themselves, strengths and weaknesses, projected draft capital, and their fit with the Steelers.
The Steelers could probably use another defensive lineman in this year’s draft. Illinois’ James Thompson Jr. is a name to watch in the later rounds.
The basics on James Thompson Jr.
- Position: Defensive lineman
- Class: Sixth-year senior
- Size: 6’6, 310 pounds
- Age: Unknown
- Projected draft round: 6
Defensive stats via Sports Reference
James Thompson Jr. scouting report
James Thompson Jr. may not be the flashiest name in the 2026 defensive
line class, but his tape reveals a solid, experienced Big Ten starter who could certainly put together a long NFL career.
Thompson’s effort is what stands out first and foremost. He’s not an insane athlete or the most productive player, but his motor is always running. He chases down plays past the line of scrimmage and doesn’t stop fighting blocks until the whistle (No. 90 in all clips).
That playing style carries over to Thompson’s run defense, which is the best part of his game. I wouldn’t necessarily call him a true run stuffer — at 310 pounds he’s not huge, and he can lose some initial positioning on combo blocks and occasionally get turned and pushed out of plays. But he largely holds his ground with a strong, 6’6 frame, and his effort helps him make stops even on reps where he’s pushed back at first.
Watching Thompson split double teams is a treat and a fairly common occurrence. He doesn’t give up, keeps track of the ball carrier, and constantly uses his hands to break free. His 41 total tackles were a career high by a solid margin in 2025.
As a pass rusher, though, Thompson doesn’t offer nearly as much. He’s never had more than three sacks in a season, with his bull rush not pushing the pocket much and earning very few quick wins in the games I watched. However, there are flashes of effective hand usage, burst, and power — Thompson was asked to contain more than attack in Illinois’ defense, so I still think there’s some upside there.
However, the elephant in the room is that Thompson spent six years in college football (I couldn’t find a reliable source for his age), making him an older prospect who probably won’t peak much more once he gets to the NFL. Still, his athletic testing (an above-average 8.83 RAS with agilities) was a positive sign, as were the rave reviews from the Shrine Bowl.
Thompson profiles as a solid Day 3 pick, with his effort and good run defense boding well for a depth spot on an NFL defensive line. He also played up and down the line of scrimmage at Illinois, showcasing some versatility at different spots. He could be a valuable rotational piece down the road.
Strengths
- Incredible motor; always chasing plays through the end
- Capable of holding up/splitting double teams
- Good, but sometimes inconsistent of hand usage
- Plus athlete/measurables
- Gets hands in passing lanes
Weaknesses
- Older prospect
- Limited pass rusher
- Slightly lean for a run stuffer
- Can be steered out of plays
What others are saying about James Thompson Jr.
Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire
James Thompson Jr. profiles as a lengthy yet sturdy, experienced interior defensive lineman with a clearly defined power-oriented skill set. His film shows a player who, at times, semi-understands how to use his size, length, and leverage to impact the game, particularly against the run. He consistently displays strong effort, active hands, and awareness when engaged with blockers, allowing him to stay involved in plays beyond his initial assignment.
Jason Langendorf, Sports Illustrated
The hulking Thompson is pure power – or, at 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds (and possibly now 320), he certainly seems it. But he also plays with quality technique at the line. He has the size, base and leverage to tie up multiple blockers, drive linemen backwards and clog run lanes, but he also knows how to use his hands to turn his man, get an angle and create penetration. And he won’t stay blocked. At Wisconsin, he made a number of tackles after containing, coming off and dropping a ball carrier from behind.
NFL Draft Diamonds
As a pass rusher, he is average to below average. Because of his anchor strength can occupy defenders who make sacks which can account for his lack of production. Has a good long-arm technique and a decent swim move in the games viewed, but too often gets neutralized one-on-one and exposes his chest. Occasionally overpursues the QB instead of playing within his frame under control. Has a good first step but isn’t particularly explosive in either area. Plays with good effort and stays in the hunt with no loafing.
James Thompson Jr.’s fit with the Steelers
Defensive line depth is crucial in the NFL, especially as it’s a position where injuries tend to pile up. If Thompson is there with one of the Steelers’ sixth- or seventh-round picks in this year’s draft, he could prove to be a smart selection that fills out the room nicely.
However, Pittsburgh doesn’t have many open spots on its D-line depth chart entering the season, and I’d probably prefer a younger and higher-upside option as Cam Heyward, Sebastian Joesph-Day, and possibly even Keeanu Benton won’t be around much longer. But if Thompson is the pick at the position — and so far he’s the only Steelers top-30 visit on the defensive line — he should be a strong DL5/6 for whichever team calls his number.
TL;DR: Thompson is a sixth-year college defensive lineman who is at his best defending the run but might still have some upside as a pass rusher. His active hands and nonstop motor allow him to split double teams even if his sack production doesn’t reflect his full value.
What are your thoughts on Illinois defensive lineman James Thompson Jr.? And which draft prospects would you like to see profiled next? Let us know in the comments below!
