Devan Thompkins, DL, Alabama: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Name |
|
|
Position |
Defensive Lineman (DL) |
|
Jersey Number |
#1 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Senior |
|
School |
Alabama |
|
Height / Weight |
6’5″ / 298 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Tracy, Calif. / Edison HS (Stockton) |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
FF |
|
2022 |
USC |
Pac-12 |
FR |
1 |
0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
USC |
Pac-12 |
SO |
2 |
0 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
|
2024 |
USC |
Big Ten |
R-SO |
13 |
24 |
2.5 |
1.5 |
0 |
|
2025 |
USC |
Big Ten |
R-JR |
12 |
31 |
6.5 |
3.0 |
1 |
|
Total |
28 |
55 |
9.0 |
4.5 |
1 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his structural growth and high-end movement profiles as a power-based interior lineman.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.95 – 5.05 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 28.0″ – 30.0″
- Broad Jump: 9’2″ – 9’6″
- Bench Press: 26 – 30 repetitions
- 10-Yard Split: 1.70 – 1.78 seconds
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
Devan Thompkins is a high-upside defensive lineman who transitioned from a late-blooming basketball standout at St. Mary’s (Stockton) to a dominant force in the trenches at Edison High and eventually USC. After a quiet start to his career in Los Angeles, Thompkins developed rapidly, evolving from a raw edge prospect into a powerful, 298-pound interior lineman.
Entering the 2026 season at Alabama, he is widely viewed as a major upgrade for the Crimson Tide’s defensive front and one of the most important transfers in the SEC.
Key Strengths
- Elite Physical Frame: Possesses a prototypical build for a modern interior defensive lineman, with excellent length (6’5″) and the capacity to carry his 298-pound frame without sacrificing agility.
- Rapid Development Curve: Shown consistent year-over-year improvement in production, specifically in his ability to penetrate the backfield (6.5 TFLs in 2025).
- Disruptive Potential: Demonstrates natural leverage and power, making him a difficult matchup for guards and centers who rely solely on technique against raw strength.
- Versatility: His background as an edge rusher gives him a “twitchy” advantage when moving inside, allowing him to win with speed-to-power transitions that traditional interior linemen lack.
Developmental Focus
As he steps into a premier role at Alabama, Thompkins’ development centers on refining his hand-fighting technique to become a more consistent pass-rusher on third downs. While his power is verified, NFL evaluators will look for him to master a deeper bag of “counter” moves to shed blocks more efficiently against elite SEC competition. Continued growth in his block-recognition speed will be the final step in cementing his draft status as a high-round selection.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending