“His versatility is pretty spectacular with everything he can do,” one scout said. “When he played running back for them, it seemed like he’d been playing there the whole time. He’s a good athlete, very instinctive and tough. But, for me, he’s tough to (evaluate) because he is that ‘tweener — he’s not the ideal size for a linebacker or a safety. He’s probably more of a natural linebacker, but he needs to develop his hand use and shielding blocks better. That’s going to be a challenge for him (in the NFL).” Quick hits from the scouts on UW’s three other top NFL prospects: On senior All-American nose tackle Danny Shelton: “He’s a massive dude. And he’s not just a square, can’t-move dude. He can run and he’s physical and he can move. It’s mind-blowing how easy it looks for him. He was just toying with people at times.” “He went from, ‘Oh, we should probably take a look at this guy’ in the summer to a first-round lock now.” On senior All-American defensive end Hau’oli Kikaha: “He’s an interesting case. The sack numbers obviously jump out at you. But in terms of NFL traits, he’s just not the biggest guy, he’s not the most athletic guy, he’s not the fastest guy. But he is strong, tough, instinctive and does play extremely hard. … I think he might slide (in the draft), but he’ll have a chance to stick around (in the league) as long as he stays healthy.” http://blogs.seattletimes.com/husky...ons-surrounding-shaq-thompsons-pro-potential/
I agree about Shaq Thompson. He gets you excited because of rare abilities. But the technique isn't really there, especially in my opinion wrap-up tackling technique. Yet, shouldn't we allow for improvement? Other guys will never have his physical potential. But he could aquire their technique.
There are just too many pressing needs to draft a WOLB in the 1st rd, bottom line, especially with the athletic Jelani Jenkins playing that position well and Dion Jordan looking like he's moving back to OLB. I just can't see drafting Shaq Thompson ahead of Danny Shelton, La'el Collins or Melvin Gordon for that matter. Or a stud WR. We have needs to fill and we need to draft impact players, I'd draft Trae Waynes or Landon Collins over Thompson as well.
