Carolina Panthers: Making the case for Shaq Thompson

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Apr 24, 2015

The Carolina Panthers currently hold the No. 25 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. With that pick, it’s hard to determine who will be left from the frenzy that occurs in the first round depending on what path teams take in bolstering their weaknesses. I’ve recently written about why they should go after someone like Todd Gurley or even drafting an offensive lineman like Jake Fisher but what happens if those two aforementioned athletes are taken off the board by the time they are on the clock? That’s why I’m making the case to actually take linebacker Shaq Thompson.

At 6’0″ and 228 pounds, Thompson can do it all. While the Panthers need help on their offensive line and in adding more receiving targets for quarterback Cam Newton, adding more play-makers on defense isn’t always necessarily a bad thing. Thompson has successfully played every position at linebacker, running back, special teams, safety and yes, he’s even played baseball.

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Reminiscent of a modern-day Bo Jackson, Thompson could be used in a variety of ways by defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. The way Thompson can cover the field with his incredible speed and versatility makes him the perfect kind of athlete to have on a Panthers’ defense that could use even more pieces to really push the envelope.

If Thompson is available for the taking then I think it’s a no-brainer decision for the Panthers to make. I’m also sure they can take care of their other team needs via the later rounds of the draft since a talent as superb as Thompson is just too good to pass up.

With his solid skills against the run and precision as a zone defender, Thompson could be the next big thing on the Panthers that could push this team even farther once they make the NFL Playoffs yet again. This team is poised to keep being a prime contender and adding someone like Thompson would only solidify their efforts.

Nov 29, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) line up for a play again the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Of course Thompson isn’t perfect by any means despite his impressive resume. He could add some more weight to keep up with some of the best the NFL has to offer but when once he transitions to the pros, I’m quite confident he’ll be put on the proper regimen to bulk up and add more technique to his game as a linebacker.

Then again a team might take him and convert him into a safety or even a running back. I would think it would be the former rather than the latter since he’s known for his keen defensive skills so it wouldn’t make sense to utilize him as a running back.

I think he will make it in the NFL as a linebacker as I hope the Panthers see this and use his skills on special defensive packages to use his strengths against opponents.

In his collegiate career with Washington, Thompson contributed 233 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 5 interceptions and a forced fumble. Last season as a running back he rushed for 456 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Needless to say, he’s got a ton of talent and would do wonders with the Panthers as a tackling machine that is relentless in getting to the ball carrier.

Since most of the top options I’m sure the Panthers want to draft might most likely be gone, it wouldn’t make sense to go in any other direction if Thompson is right there for the taking with their No. 25 overall pick.

Next: Za'Darius Smith fits Carolina Panthers as a mid-round prospect

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