Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Shaq Thompson (Washington) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #25 by CAR

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Shaq Thompson (2015 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Shaq Thompson
• College: University of Washington
• Position: Linebacker/Safety

Physical Attributes:

• Height: 6'0"
• Weight: 228 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.64 seconds

Strengths:

• Versatility: Thompson showcased the ability to play multiple positions, excelling at linebacker and showing skills that could translate to safety.
• Speed and Athleticism: His quickness and lateral movement allowed him to cover ground effectively, making him a reliable option in pass coverage.
• Tackling: Known for his aggressive tackling style, he was a strong presence against the run and could take down ball carriers effectively.
• Football IQ: Thompson displayed a high level of understanding of the game, often reading plays well and making adjustments on the fly.

Areas for Improvement:

• Size: At 6'0", some scouts questioned whether he had the ideal size to play linebacker in the NFL, especially against larger running backs.
• Consistency: While he had flashes of brilliance, there were games where he struggled to maintain a high level of play throughout.

Overall Assessment:

Shaq Thompson was regarded as one of the most dynamic defensive players in the 2015 NFL Draft. His ability to contribute in various roles made him an attractive prospect. Teams looking for a versatile linebacker who could also drop back into coverage were particularly interested in Thompson. His athleticism and instinctive play style suggested he could become a playmaker at the next level, though questions about his size and consistency remained. Ultimately, he was projected to be a first-round pick, with comparisons to established linebackers in the league.