INDIANAPOLIS —- On Thursday morning, head coach Mike Zimmer talked about figuring out what your players do best and putting them in a situation to thrive. He also mentioned the importance of versatility, like linebackers who can be sub-package defenders and dual-role defensive backs.
Maybe he had Washington linebacker/safety/running back Shaq Thompson on his mind. Maybe he didn't. But no player at the combine personifies versatility like the Huskies' Swiss Army knife.
Most teams see him as a linebacker, and Thompson made it clear yesterday that he is not going to be a running back. NFL Network's Mike Mayock projects him as a safety and some teams probably do, too. Whoever picks Thompson will get to decide what he is, but he prefers to be a linebacker.
"That's where I feel the most comfortable," Thompson said yesterday. "I like to be up by the line of scrimmage. I feel like I'm physical enough. I'm not the biggest guy, but I have a lot of heart."
In 2014, his junior year, he made 81 tackles for the Huskies. He forced two fumbles and picked off a pass. He was a terror on special teams. And he averaged 7.5 yards per carry as a part-time back.
Whatever he is, the Vikings have some interest. He met with Zimmer this week at the combine.
Outside linebacker isn't a pressing need for the Vikings. They used their first-round pick last year on Anthony Barr. Gerald Hodges and Audie Cole impressed while filling in when Chad Greenway missed four games due to a couple of injuries. They also like 2014 late-round pick Brandon Watts.
But with Greenway possibly on the chopping block due to his age and $7.1 million salary and with Zimmer looking for more defensive playmakers, Thompson could be a first-round fit for the Vikings.
