With the No. 25 pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers have selected linebacker Shaq Thompson of Washington. Thompson was one of the most versatile players in college football, and could play multiple positions on defense or offense.
NFL Draft picks 2015: Shaq Thompson to Panthers at No. 25
Thompson is one of the most versatile players in the nation and could be a good fit at several positions.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Most believe Thompson’s best fit is as an outside linebacker, however. Thompson himself has said he should be an outside linebacker, and that being labeled an offensive player was out of the question. There was also question as to whether he’d play safety, but he insisted that playing closer to the line appeals to him.
Few can argue that. Thompson was a first-team All-Pac-12 player and All-American in 2014, winning the Hornung Award that year. The Hornung Award is given to college football’s most versatile player, and Thompson was a shoe-in.
Thompson showed well at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, putting up a 4.64 40-yard dash, 33.5-inch vertical leap and 4.08-second 20-yard shuttle. Thompson should be able to step right into a starting role at the next level.
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