4 Carolina Panthers who could pull a Shohei Ohtani and play both ways

Shaq Thompson – Carolina Panthers OLB

• Linebacker to running back

The Carolina Panthers can’t afford to have Shaq Thompson switch positions anytime soon. But in an imaginary world, the former first-round pick could easily transition to running back based on history.

Thompson is one of the few players to actually play multiple positions in college.

While attending the University of Washington from 2012-2014, Thompson played safety, slot corner, linebacker, and running back. No mean feat for a player with so much ability on defense.

While doing so, he was named an All-American his junior season. He then won the Paul Hornung Award for the nation’s most versatile player as a senior.

Thompson hasn’t had the opportunity to take running back reps in the NFL, but the player has proven he’s still got the speed, making him a successful linebacker.

Before being drafted into the NFL, Thompson’s former head coach actually said running back was his best position. He went through positional drills at the NFL Scouting Combine but trusted himself more in the role of a linebacker.

It’s worked out. But there is a big season awaiting Thompson in 2021 with a huge pay increase at stake next year.