Cincinnati Bengals: Gambles Worth Taking in 2015 NFL Draft

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington linebacker

talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: Shaq Thompson, Washington Huskies

Round: 1

Position: Linebacker/Safety

Age: 20

Height & Weight: 6’0″ & 228 pounds

2014 Season Statistics: 61 ATT, 456 YDS, 2 TD; 4 REC, 56 YDS; 81 total tackles, 2.5 for loss, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 3 FF, 4 DEF TD

By most accounts, Shaq Thompson of the Washington Huskies has a first-round grade for the 2015 NFL Draft. He’s a tantalizing athlete with positional versatility and the raw talent to provide a massive impact.

According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, that positional versatility also breeds positional uncertainty.

"“He was 219 pounds when I visited late in the season. I’m concerned about whether he will be able to keep enough weight on to be a 4-3 WILL. Until I see him actually play deep as a safety, I’m not sure that is a projection I’m comfortable making.” — AFC North scout"

If Cincinnati can identify where Thompson would be plugged into its defense, he’d be a gamble worth considering in the first round.

Thompson has lined up at running back, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and safety. He ran for 456 yards and two touchdowns on offense, and he had 81 tackles, a sack, an interception, three fumbles forced and four defensive touchdowns on defense.

Unfortunately, versatility is only valued for so long until a defined position must be discovered in the NFL. Fortunately for the Bengals, his flexibility is appealing to a team without many significant holes.

It’s very risky, but Thompson can be a legitimate game-changer for a team in need of big-play ability on defense.

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