Shaq Thompson Declares for 2015 NFL Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

Fresh off one of the most impressive two-way seasons in quite some time, Shaq Thompson is making the move to the NFL. 

Thompson announced his decision to leave the University of Washington for the 2015 draft on Monday:

Thompson also penned a letter to Huskies fans on GoHuskies.com:

"

Dear Husky Nation,

After careful prayer and consideration and speaking with my family and Coach Petersen at great lengths, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL Draft. This was not an easy decision for me, I love the University of Washington, and everything the U-Dub community has done for me these past three years.

I personally want to thank Coach Petersen and his staff, Coach Steve Sarkisian who recruited me and gave me this tremendous opportunity; all of my teammates who I love like brothers and have forged lifelong friendships with. And last but certainly not least, our fans and Husky Nation. You guys have been there for us each and every game and this was without a doubt the best place on Earth to play college ball.

I also want to thank my family who has been extremely supportive during my college career and especially during this difficult decision. I know that they'll continue to be an important part of my journey and I'm so thankful for their guidance and love.

I feel that I have accomplished a lot here in these past three years, and I'm so thankful to everyone for helping me achieve my goals. Now I'm looking forward to achieving a new set of goals, facing new challenges that come with being in the NFL. I'm excited to start the draft process, the next chapter in my life, but will forever and always be a Husky!

Go Huskies!
Shaq

"

Next up is figuring out what position he'll play at the next level.

An elite safety recruit coming out of high school, Thompson played a little bit in the secondary but eventually made a move to outside linebacker, where he spent most of his time and where most believe he fits best in the NFL.

However, with injuries and poor play plaguing the backfield, Head coach Chris Petersen also gave Thompson a shot at running back. He responded by showing tremendous vision, agility and power, immediately proving himself as the Huskies' most efficient ball-carrier.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network chimed in on the position debate:

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

As such, not everyone is convinced he doesn't have a future in the backfield.

"He has an amazing nose for the ball, but a run-heavy team might like him better as a RB," said an AFC South personnel director, via NFL.com. "He's talented and growing in that spot as his time on offense has increased. A natural runner." 

Ultimately, though, it would be surprising if Thompson isn't drafted as an outside linebacker. It's his most natural position, and it's where he'll provide the most value.

For what he lacks in size (6'1", 228 lbs), he makes up for with unbelievable athletic ability. Fluid enough to drop back in coverage and strong enough to shed blocks and make plays in the running game, he is a takeaway machine who scored an amazing four defensive touchdowns as a junior.

As NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, his two-way ability will only help boost his draft stock:

"

From his speed, quickness, ball skills and physicality to his ability to create big plays with the ball in his hands, Thompson's production as a two-way player in a major conference will enhance his value in the pre-draft process, as coaches covet versatility and athleticism at a premium. If I'm going to place a wager on a prospect with the potential to skyrocket during the run up to the draft (if he declares following this season), I would go "all-in" on the athletic dynamo who is making a ton of plays as a two-way standout for the Huskies this season.

"

Linebacker, safety, running back: It doesn't really matter.

Fortunately for Thompson, who infamously went 0-for-39 with 37 strikeouts with the Boston Red Sox's rookie league team in 2012, his future is blindingly bright as a football player—no matter where he may line up.

On defense, though, he's a first-round lock with top-10 potential.