Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
With the 25th pick in the NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers selected outside linebacker Shaq Thompson. This is a surprise after everyone had him dropping out of the first round after he was just 228 pounds at the combine. But this is a great all-around football player a playmaker that scored four defensive touchdowns and forced three fumbles in 2014.
And as a player on the field, he is more versatile that anyone coming out in this year’s draft. Thompson played outside and inside as a linebacker and took snaps at safety at times in college. It doesn’t stop there, it goes to offense, where he gained 456 yards rushing, averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
Thompson is long, with the athleticism and movement of a running back while playing linebacker. He also finds the ball quickly while he has the speed and motor to pursue very well in space. Reads the quarterback’s eyes and shades the throwing lane as zone defender and can cover running backs out of backfield in man.
He could play safety as his football intelligence with his athleticism allows him to play anywhere.
The Panthers just got themselves a guy that can help anywhere right away.