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NFL Draft 2015 grades: Carolina Panthers select Shaq Thompson

By Matt Verderame

Nov 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) carries in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Boulder, CO, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) carries in the third quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. The Huskies defeated the Buffaloes 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 25th-overall pick, the Carolina Panthers selected Washington Huskies linebacker/safety Shaq Thompson in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Carolina is adding a versatile player to a defense which already has Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis in the linebackers group.

Grade: C

Thompson was projected to be a second or third-round pick by most draft experts, so this is considered a reach. Additionally, the Panthers really needed to upgrade the offensive line, especially at right tackle. Carolina was unable to do that, hurting the chances of an improved offense. Anybody who watched the Panthers last year knows that is a serious problem.

Thompson is a great athlete, but can he make an immediate impact? He is a man without a true position, so head coach Ron Rivera might have a tough time getting him into a spot and letting him excel. On the positive side, Thompson will be a matchup nightmare for the other NFC South teams, roving all over the field.

Going into Day Two, the Panthers still need to help out the offensive line and secondary. Carolina must allow Cam Newton to become the best version of himself, something protection will allow. Defensively, the pass defense has allowed too many big plays on the field in recent years.

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