With the 7th pick in the 2015 NFL draft…

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

OLB / S Shaq Thompson, Washington JR

Attributes – 6’2 | 231 | 4.56

Scouting report – One of the most versatile and athletic players in the draft. Thompson has played OLB, Safety, and RB for the Huskies this year and his best NFL position is still up for debate. With the Bears he could play OLB and give them a sideline-to-sideline tackler they haven’t had since prime Urlacher. Thompson excels in coverage and could team with Christian Jones in sub packages to give the Bears two LBs capable of covering TEs, RBs, and even some slot receivers. Thompson has the speed and closing burst to be a force at LB, but he’s small and has had some trouble shedding blocks from bigger lineman.

The Bears best option could be moving Thompson to strong safety in a similar role to how the Seahawks use Kam Chancellor. Thompson could spend most snaps in the box as a roving run-stopper and drop into coverage when needed. Thompson is a big-time hitter and it would give opposing receivers something to think about when they cross the middle of the field. Either position would make the Bears defense faster and more dynamic. Thompson has also shown a knack for making big plays with 4 defensive touchdowns this season.

NFL comparison – Ryan Shazier

Bears spin – Young LBs Christian Jones and Jon Bostic have played well enough the last month to be front runners for starting gigs next year. Jones has played both OLB spots and Bostic all 3, so they both have the versatility to move around to accommodate any LB drafted this year. If they draft Thompson and keep him at linebacker, his best fit would be on the weak-side. Bostic could stay in the middle and Jones could move to the strong side. This would give the Bears one of the most athletic LB groups in the league.