Vikings Draft 2020: Five-year history of the 25th overall pick
By Nik Edlund
Shaq Thompson – LB
The Carolina Panthers used the 25th overall pick in 2015 to get this linebacker from Washington. Shaq Thompson has had a very solid career for the Panthers and he has given them plenty of production out of that slot.
Thompson has started 61 games for Carolina since being drafted back in 2015. He has totaled 355 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups, and one interception. He’s got great sideline-to-sideline speed and while he’s missed some games each season due to injuries, he has been one of the more productive 25th overall picks in recent history.
Other Players Available:
Some players who were still on the board when the Panthers selected at pick No. 25 that have had great success in the NFL included Byron Jones, Eric Kendricks, Donovan Smith, and Landon Collins.
Some players who were also picked around this slot that haven’t really panned out were Breshad Perriman, Phillip Dorsett, and Stephone Anthony.
Looking at those who were still available, Carolina didn’t draft the most guy left on the board, but they still got themselves a hell of a player and they at least avoided taking a bust like Perriman.