Deionte Thompson became the seventh Alabama player taken in the NFL Draft when his name was called as the first pick in the fifth round Saturday in Nashville, Tennessee.
Thompson, a defensive back, was chosen by the Arizona Cardinals.
At 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, Thompson was one of seven Alabama sophomores and juniors who chose to go pro rather than return for the 2019 season, the most in school history.
OTHER ALABAMA PICKS: Quinnen Williams | Jonah Williams | Josh Jacobs | Irv Smith | Damien Harris | Christian Miller | Ross Pierschbacher | Mack Wilson | Isaiah Buggs
Thompson broke into the starting lineup during Alabama’s postseason in 2017 and became a key player in the secondary this season. He was second on the team with 79 total tackles – 48 solo, 31 assisted, including 3.5 tackles for loss. He had a season-high nine stops against Arkansas back in October.
Thompson also forced four fumbles and recovered one. He grabbed two interceptions and returned them for a combined 65 yards. He broke up six passes overall.
The Associated Press, Sporting News and AFCA selected Thompson as a first-team All-American, making him a consensus pick. He also received first-team All-SEC accolades from the conference coaches and second team from the media.
