2015 NFL Draft: Top 5 Linebackers
By John Tolis
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
5. Shaq Thompson, Washington, OLB
We start off our linebacker class with Washington’s outside linebacker Shaq Thompson. If there’s one trait that Thompson possess that most linebackers in the draft don’t is speed. Not only did Thompson star at linebacker for the Huskies, but he played on the offensive side of the ball and rushed for 456 yards on 61 carries. The junior can show some explosiveness, especially after the quarterback which makes him stand out.
What drops Thompson in the five slot, is his inexperience at the position. He hasn’t spent a lot of time at the linebacker position, but he’s made it clear that he wants to play outside linebacker. During his time with the Huskies, Thompson has scored four defensive touchdowns. He also crowds the line of scrimmage most of the time which is good and bad for teams. It’s good because he’s explosive and can get to the quarterback fast, but the downside to this is he finds himself at awkward angles where the offense can take advantage of.
There’s no doubt over Thompson’s talent, the junior can play the position, but will his experience drag him down? Everybody knows there’s a difference between the little leagues and the big leagues, is he ready to make that leap? Only time will tell, but from the looks of it, Thompson will likely go into the second round, maybe third.
Keep a look out for Thompson as he fits the description as a weakside linebacker, so if any team needs a fill at that position, Thompson should be their guy.
Next: 4. Eric Kendricks, UCLA, ILB