FanSided Mock Draft: LB Shaq Thompson To Giants

One of the wonderful things about writing for the FanSided network is the wealth of blogs that it has. One of the very best sites for draft information is NFL Mocks. Sayre Bedinger, one of the editors of the site, did a mock draft in which the New York Giants selected Shaq Thompson, the outside linebacker from Washington.

Check out the entire mock draft if you’d like, but for now, here is what they say about Thompson:

"Thompson is the type of athletic defensive playmaker that the Giants love, and at 9th overall, I think he’s a great fit. He would add a ton to a Giants defense that desperately needs it."

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

It is hard to argue with the pick, as Thompson is a very good pass rusher. Thompson would be the prototypical Spagnuolo defensive end. He is a long armed, 6’1″ and weighs 228 pounds.

In terms of pure athletic ability there is no pass rusher that compares to Thompson, who also has experience as a safety and a running back. That is the kind of quickness we are talking about with Thompson.

I would have preferred Danny Shelton, or Shane Ray at pick 9. Ray is the great pass rusher from Missouri, who Bedinger had the Chicago Bears take 2 picks before the Giants.

Ray has more power and so there is a bit more to the pass rushing skills. Shelton was Thompson’s teammate. As a defensive tackle he is an unmovable space eater with a rare blend of power and athleticism.

Shelton and Johnathan Hankins would have made a potent defensive tackle combination. It would help the Giants run defense and would prevent teams from double teaming their defensive ends with fear that Shelton would destroy whatever poor soul lined up against him inside.

Overall, I would be pleased with the selection of Thompson by the Giants. He is a good football player and he fills a need, it would be hard to complain about that. I have a ton of respect for Bedinger and for the mock draft prospect. Though I have some minor disagreements with the accomplished editor, I applaud a very well done mock draft.

Make sure to bookmark NFL Mocks on the FanSided network as they will no doubt have some more incredible mocks, news and draft analysis between now and the 2015 NFL Draft!

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