X

Have feedback / suggestions? Let us know!

NFL

2015 NFL Draft: Evaluating Shaq Thompson’s Stock After Week 14

By @RyanRattyNFL

Shaq Thompson Washington

Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been awhile since a player of Shaq Thompson‘s versatility has come into the NFL. After playing both outside linebacker and safety at Washington, it will be interesting to see what position he will play in the NFL. In fact, Thompson may play both positions for a team’s defense. Although he’s an underclassmen, Thompson will likely declare for the 2015 NFL Draft.

“Tweener” — that’s the word that has been thrown around when talking about Thompson. At 6-foot-1, 230 pounds, Thompson is too small to play outside linebacker, which is the position he played for the majority of his collegiate career, but his body tells me he will be a safety in the NFL, but he is still extremely new to the position. If Thompson is a safety in his rookie year, it will only be his second year of playing that position. Despite his tweener status, offenses are getting faster and more dynamic, and with how good of an athlete Thompson is, an NFL defense will benefit with having him on the roster.

There’s no questioning Thompson’s production in college. Thompson recorded over 60 tackles in his first three seasons in college. Also in that time, Thompson recorded five interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Thompson has also played running back and wide receiver in college. This just proves just how elite of an athlete Thompson is. With NFL offenses becoming more spread out, Thompson is coming into the league at the perfect time because he is one of the most fluid linebackers in college that I’ve ever seen. Thompson is the perfect weakside linebacker in the NFL. He has great instincts and he is a playmaker. Thompson is a guy you want on your football team. Although there are concerns with what position he will play, Thompson will come in and help an NFL defense right away.

Ryan Ratty is a featured writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanRattyNFL or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on