Summary

Shaq Thompson was drafted in the 2015 NFL Draft, Round 1, (pick 25) out of Washington. Thompson is a dynamic, multi‑dimensional defender whose game is defined by his speed, instincts and versatility rather than pure size or brute strength. His best value comes when he’s utilized in space—dropping from linebacker into coverage, chasing from the second level, or roaming laterally to make a play. He can be a matchup‑problem for offenses when he’s used as a "rover" or hybrid defender.

However, his profile also means he’s not ideally suited for every‑down, heavy‑box linebacker work in traditional run‑first defenses. His limitations in block‑shedding, power at the point of attack, and ambiguous positional fit give defenses questions about how and when to deploy him.

Strengths

• Exceptional athleticism and range: Thompson consistently displayed sideline‑to‑sideline speed and agility, able to cover large amounts of ground in space. Vikings Territory

• Versatility and scheme flexibility: He lined up at linebacker, safety, and even running back in college, making him a chess piece for defenses. Skyline Sports

• Instincts and playmaking in coverage: He showed the ability to diagnose plays, drop into zones, mirror backs/TEs, and make plays on the ball.

• Solid open‑field tackling and pursuit: In space, he was reliable and used his athleticism to complete tackles and chase down ball‑carriers. Blogging The Boys

Weaknesses

• Size and block‑shedding concerns: At linebacker size, he lacked the ideal mass and strength to consistently shed blocks and hold the point versus power runs. SI

• True positional fit unclear: Scouts often questioned whether he was best as an off‑the‑line linebacker, strong safety, or hybrid role—making his role in a traditional defense less clear. UW Dawg Pound

• Consistency in run‑defense and inside power: While effective in space, when asked to plug gaps or make impact stops versus inside runs, he was sometimes less dominant. Vikings Territory

• Man‑coverage and physical match‑ups limitations: Against heavy bodies or deep TE threats in tight spaces, his size and length put him at a relative disadvantage. SI

Fit & Outlook

Thompson thrives in defenses that emphasize speed, flexibility, and multiple personnel groupings—particularly where he can align off the line, operate in space, and avoid being matched one‑on‑one with bigger blockers. In modern NFL schemes that ask linebackers to cover and move rather than just set the edge, he fits well.

• Short‑Term: If healthy, he remains a valuable starter/rotational piece who can impact games through coverage, chase downs and sub‑package roles.

• Medium/Long‑Term: His ceiling is as a high‑impact, hybrid linebacker/defensive back type rather than a traditional run‑stuffing middle linebacker. If he continues to refine his strength, tackling consistency, and coverage technique, he can be among the better linebackers in space‑heavy systems.

• Risk/Factors: Injuries or being placed in a scheme that demands more conventional linebacker traits (heavy inside run‑stuffing, two‑gap responsibilities) could limit his effectiveness or shorten his peak.

• Ceiling: Above‑average to very good starter in an NFL defense that plays to his strengths.

• Floor: Solid rotational/3‑down linebacker contributor with value in sub‑packages and special teams.