2015 NFL Draft: Early Look at Inside Linebackers

Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7). Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Most Difficult to Project

One player that is really difficult to figure out at the position is Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson. He played primarily outside linebacker in the Huskies 4-3 defense.

Thompson has first-round talent and is one of the top athletes on defense in this year’s draft. However, his position at the next level is very difficult to project.

Where do teams play a 6-foot-1, 226-pound linebacker?

Some believe a switch to safety would be best for Thompson. He certainly has the speed to play the position, but many believe his best fit is at weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense.

Thompson would need to add weight to play on the inside, especially in a 3-4 defense, where he’ll be expected to take offensive linemen head on against the run, making him a tough sell in the early rounds for 3-4 teams looking for inside linebacker help.

Next: Mid-round steals