Thompson Trades Plains for the Pros: Former Auburn DB Lands UDFA Deal with Tennessee Titans
In the whirlwind following the 2025 NFL Draft, where dreams were realized and names were called, another avenue opened for collegiate athletes aspiring to the professional ranks. Former Auburn Tigers defensive back Jerrin Thompson has seized this opportunity, inking an undrafted free agent (UDFA) deal with the Tennessee Titans. This move marks the beginning of Thompson’s journey to prove his mettle at the highest level of American football, joining a franchise eager to reshape its roster after a challenging season.
For Thompson, this signing culminates a collegiate career that showcased his versatility and playmaking ability. Across four seasons with the Texas Longhorns and his final year with the Auburn Tigers, Thompson amassed an impressive stat line. In 61 games played, he recorded 241 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, one interception returned for a touchdown, 23 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. This “defensive kitchen sink” of accomplishments underscores his well-rounded skillset and his knack for contributing in various facets of the game.
His lone season on the Plains in 2024 saw him lead the Auburn secondary with 65 total tackles, including a sack, alongside five pass deflections and two interceptions. Prior to his arrival at Auburn, Thompson played 49 games for the Longhorns, registering 176 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five interceptions, a pick-six, 18 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. This consistent production throughout his college tenure highlights his reliability and potential to translate his skills to the NFL.
Joining the Tennessee Titans presents a unique situation for Thompson. The Titans are in a rebuilding phase after a disappointing 3-14 season, which resulted in them holding the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, used to select quarterback Cam Ward. This context means that roster spots are potentially up for grabs, and undrafted free agents who demonstrate promise during training camp and the preseason could carve out roles for themselves.
An undrafted free agent, or UDFA, is an NFL-eligible player who was not selected during the annual seven-round draft. Following the draft’s conclusion, these players are free to sign with any team. While the path for UDFAs to make a final 53-man roster is often challenging, it provides a crucial opportunity for talented players who may have been overlooked due to various factors such as playing at a smaller school, injury concerns, or positional depth in the draft. Many successful NFL players, including Hall of Famers like Kurt Warner and Antonio Gates, began their careers as undrafted free agents, proving that talent and determination can overcome the lack of a draft selection.
Thompson enters a Titans safety room currently projected to be led by veterans Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods. However, the depth behind them includes Julius Wood, who will be serving a six-game suspension at the start of the season. This situation could open the door for Thompson to impress the coaching staff and potentially secure a spot as a backup safety or a special teams contributor, a common avenue for UDFAs to initially make their mark in the league.
The Tennessee Titans’ needs heading into the 2025 season were significant, particularly after their struggles in the previous year. While the acquisition of a potential franchise quarterback in Cam Ward addresses a primary concern, the team has other areas requiring improvement. Offensively, they have added wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett, along with running back Tony Pollard, aiming to provide Ward with reliable targets and a strong running game. However, depth and consistent performance across the offensive line remain areas to monitor.
Defensively, the Titans need to generate more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks and improve their overall pass defense. While they have key players like defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons and linebacker Arden Key, adding depth and talent at positions like edge rusher and cornerback will be crucial for their defensive turnaround. The safety position, where Thompson will compete, is an integral part of the secondary, requiring players with coverage skills, tackling ability, and a strong understanding of defensive schemes.
Thompson’s versatility in coverage, his tackling prowess, and his knack for creating turnovers could make him an intriguing prospect for the Titans’ defense. His experience playing in both the Big 12 and the SEC, two of the most competitive conferences in college football, suggests he has faced high-level competition and possesses the adaptability needed to succeed in the NFL.
The journey for an undrafted free agent is arduous. It involves intense competition during rookie mini-camps, organized team activities (OTAs), training camp, and preseason games. UDFAs must quickly learn the team’s playbook, demonstrate their physical abilities, and prove their willingness to contribute on special teams. They face the challenge of standing out amongst a large group of players, many of whom were drafted and come with higher expectations.
However, the reward for those who succeed is a coveted spot on an NFL roster and the opportunity to pursue their professional football dreams. Thompson’s collegiate track record indicates he possesses the work ethic and talent to navigate this challenging path. His coaches and teammates at both Texas and Auburn have likely witnessed his dedication and his ability to make plays.
As Jerrin Thompson embarks on this new chapter with the Tennessee Titans, he carries the experience of competing at a high level in college and the determination to prove he belongs in the NFL. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a potential contributor on an NFL team will be one to watch as the 2025 season unfolds. The Titans, seeking to rebuild and redefine their identity, may find in Thompson a valuable asset who embodies the grit and potential that undrafted players often bring to a team. His signing represents not just a personal achievement but also the enduring hope that talent, when coupled with perseverance, can find its place on the professional football stage.