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2015 NFL Draft: Who helped/hurt themselves the most at the combine?

By R. Phillips

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Christian Conley jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Christian Conley jumps up to stretch before running the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson talks to the media at the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Hurt: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington

Thompson was a guy I had pegged as someone who would tear up the combine, and while he wasn’t a complete dud, he did leave all observers wanting more. Despite his desire to play linebacker at the next level, some experts believe his best fit is at strong safety. He measured in at just over 6-foot and weighed 228 pounds, which fits for a safety these days. But the problem was, he didn’t turn in an impressive workout.

Thompson did have a nice 20-yard shuttle (4.08 seconds), but the rest of his workout fell flat. His 40 time was a mediocre 4.64 seconds, his vertical (33.5 inches) and broad jumps (117 inches), and three-cone drill (6.99 seconds) were all decidedly average.

The problem for Thompson is that he doesn’t have a natural fit at the NFL level, so wowing teams at the combine was important. Had he done so, several teams would have likely decided to take him early and worry about his fit later. If you’re an insane athlete teams are willing to forgive awkward position fits. Thanks to a rough performance in Indianapolis, his lack of a position is going to be a much bigger issue.

Next: Kevin White

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