5 Best First Round Draft Options For Vikings
Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies linebacker Shaq Thompson (7) against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Oklahoma State defeated Washington 30-22. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Shaq Thompson – LB – Washington
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Thompson is the type of player that Mike Zimmer would love to have on his roster. Thompson is an athletic freak, playing both linebacker and a little bit of running back at the University of Washington. Zimmer’s expertise in creating blitz schemes would give Thompson the chance to make a huge splash in the NFL, much like Anthony Barr did in his rookie season. Thompson also has solid size, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 230 pounds, but his strength for that size is very underrated. Thompson is also effective dropping back in coverage, something Barr lacked before he was drafted. One weakness Thompson has is that he tends to overcommit on some plays, and NFL running backs will take advantage of that without hesitation. This is surely something that the coaching staff would be able to help improve in Thompson’s game. Overall, Thompson would be solid fit for the Vikings, and the duo of Barr and Thompson could scare opposing teams for years to come.