Panthers LB Shaq Thompson in Perfect Spot to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year

In order for any player, including Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, a lot of things have to go just right. When good health, scheme fit and opportunity converge, you have the recipe for a huge rookie year. And that is exactly where Thompson could find himself.

For a rookie to be considered the top defensive player, it typically takes some ridiculous statistics, in particular a mix of those rare stats outside of just tackles. In 2014, St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald won in large part due to nine sacks as a defensive tackle. 

However, to see the potential in Thompson, you have to go back to 2012 when another Panther, linebacker Luke Kuechly, won the award. He did so on the strength of 165 total tackles along with a sack and two interceptions. It is fitting that Thompson is coming to that Carolina defense with a similar pedigree.

By all accounts, Thompson is in line to be the starting "Will" linebacker in the Carolina 4-3 defense. To offer a parallel from that same 2012 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a rookie Will linebacker by the name of Lavonte David. He gave Kuechly a run for his money and finished the year with 139 tackles of his own to go along with an interception and two sacks.

NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks sees David in Thompson as well. Their styles of play are eerily similar.

Thompson’s style of play affords him an excellent opportunity to be that same type of player. In addition, Thompson’s situation could be a marriage of what Donald did his rookie year along with David’s accomplishments. 

One thing that greatly benefited Donald was the amount of talent around him on that Rams defense. The St. Louis defensive line is one of the best in the NFL. Thompson is going to be a cog in a machine that boasts lots of talent all over the field. If the Panthers can get big seasons out of defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short, the jobs of all the Carolina linebackers will be made easier.

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One might think that having all those players around Thompson would hurt him statistically, but Donald proved otherwise. All having those talented teammates did was give him better looks and he took advantage of them. Thompson should be able to take advantage of tasty matchups all season long.

NFL.com put out a piece highlighting the six players they believe have the inside track to be DROY and included Thompson on that shortlist. NFL writer Connor Orr broke down Thompson’s chances in a rather cogent manner.

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Defensive Rookie of the Year will be an award largely based on glamour statistics like interceptions, sacks and tackles for loss. So, who is in a better spot than anyone to accumulate all of these things? Thompson will be a Swiss Army knife for the Panthers and could be a nightmare as a dime linebacker, especially if the Panthers get a lead and teams can't keep a running back in to block him off the edge.Might the Jaguars' Dante Fowler put more singular pressure on an offense? Absolutely. Could Leonard Williams cause more adjustments to the opposing team's game plan on the Jets' monstrous D-line? Probably. But if Thompson ends the season with a handful of picks and sacks, his name will vault up the list quickly, especially if Carolina's defensive line develops around him.

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Part of Thompson’s game is to create the type of splash plays that will not only help the Panthers win but open eyes as well. If the front can keep him clean from offensive linemen this will allow Thompson to use that vision (talented running back), and lateral agility to work inside and out. Finally, once Thompson has drawn a bead on the football, he will close with that burst and finish with power. 

As you can see from these highlights, Thompson has the requisite skills to be successful, especially if the rest of the Carolina defense can do their part. Thompson should be incredibly effective on passing downs with his ability to rush the passer from the outside or drop into coverage.

Even if you disagreed with the notion of Thompson being drafted as early as he was, it is hard to disagree with the fit in Carolina. 

2015 Stat Projections: 116 total tackles, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions