2015 NFL Draft Profile: Shaq Thompson, Washington safety/linebacker

With rumors of Mychal Kendricks' possible departure, a hole across from Malcolm Jenkins at safety and an ever-growing need for young talent on the Eagles roster, the team could look to fill several holes in this month's draft. Perhaps, some of those holes could be filled with one move. The Eagles may look into adding a talented two-spot player like Washington's Shaq Thompson in the draft.

College Career

A Sacramento, Calif. native, Thompson committed to Washington in 2012. He earned honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors after playing in 13 games as a nickelback. He collected 44 tackles (8.5 for loss), six pass breakups and three interceptions in his first year.

As a sophomore, Thompson played and started 12-of-13 games at linebacker. He produced 50 tackles (four for loss), five pass breakups and an interception. Last season, Thompson played linebacker and running back. He collected 52 tackles (2.5 for loss), a sack and interception while doing double duty.

Combine Numbers

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 228 lbs.

Arm Length: 33 inches

Hands: 9 1/2"

40: 4.64 secs.

Vertical Jump: 33.5 inch

Broad Jump: 117 inch

3-Cone: 6.99 secs.

Shuttle: 4.08 secs.

Strengths

Thompson may be a bit undersized for the linebacker position but he hits blocks with violence. A standout in coverage, Thompson has an ability to play in space and has dynamic ball skills for a tweener (think DeAndre Levy). He is a defender who uses discipline in coverage and has outstanding instincts. He flows to the ball and is patient against the run which allows him to keep ball carriers in front of him.

He is super quick and is the perfect spy against mobile quarterbacks. Consistently active, he attacks with dynamic speed.

Weaknesses

As previously said, Thompson is the definition of a tweener. He played running back, linebacker and safety in college and is kind of just an athlete as a prospect. While he is terrific in coverage, his size may not translate to the pros when comes to run-defending. He has limited weaknesses but his lack of a true position puts in an awkward position.

Eagles Outlook

If the Eagles are comfortable with Thompson at safety, they may be open to drafting him as early as pick No. 20. That said, if the Eagles like him as a linebacker, they may wait to see where he falls before investing money in an undersized player for the position. Thompson could initially play safety as a rookie and be used in spot duty at linebacker. He's an interesting prospect but it is hard to see a clear fit with him.

Note that the Eagles hosted Thompson for a pre-draft visit in Philly.

Trust Your Own Eyes