Carolina Panthers, round 1, pick 25: Shaq Thompson

Shaq Thompson

Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 228

Position: Outside linebacker

College: Washington

What he offers: Thompson wants to play outside linebacker, but he’s not unseating Thomas Davis in the Panthers’ depth chart. That means the Panthers will run a more traditional 4-3 defense rather than using nickel as much.

Worth mentioning: The Boston Red Sox drafted him in the 18th round of the 2012 MLB draft. ...The Panthers were the only team to work out Thompson and bring him in for an in-house visit. ...Thompson is one of three Washington players taken in the first round, and the Panthers travel to Seattle on Oct. 18.

Bet you didn’t know: Thompson won the Paul Hornung Award, which is given annually to the nation’s most versatile player.

What they’re saying: “There are similarities, but there is only one Thomas Davis.” – Ron Rivera

Jonathan Jones

This story was originally published April 30, 2015 at 11:40 PM with the headline "Carolina Panthers, round 1, pick 25: Shaq Thompson."