Shaq Thompson had dinner with San Diego Chargers LB Coach Mike Nolan

San Diego Chargers LB coach Mike Nolan had dinner with Shaq Thompson on Thursday to talk some football.

San Diego Chargers LB Coach Mike Nolan was at the University of Washington on Thursday to attend their Pro Day and to get another look at the standouts on that defense. There were a number of different prospects that Nolan could have been watching, but it seems like he had his eyes on one player in particular. He wanted to get an extra look at Shaq Thomson.

Nolan and Thompson had dinner on Thursday night to talk some football. Thompson is expected to be a late first round selection or could be available when the Chargers select in the 2nd round. That is where the Chargers would have the interest in picking him up.

ICYMI: Mike Nolan of the San Diego Chargers had dinner with Shaq Thompson/LB-S/Washington last night http://t.co/zhmYt0Yirp

— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 3, 2015

Thompson is an aggressive linebacker and has great instincts for the football. He doesn’t have the best size for an outside linebacker in the Chargers 3-4 defensive system, but there is no doubt that he is a playmaker. He gets to the football quickly and when he gets his hand on the football he knows what to do with it. He always finds his way around the football.

Thompson is one of the athletes on the field that can play on both sides of the ball. He played primarily at linebacker and also saw time at running back with Washington. He picked up 456 yards rushing in his 2014-2015 season with an average of over 7 yards per carry.

At 6-foot, 228 pounds he could see some work at safety or could be placed at middle linebacker in the Chargers defense. They would have to trust in his instincts on defense, but drafting a player that is more of a project at the new position would be too much of a risk for the first round. He could move around all over on the defense if he was brought on. He could move to the outside on passing downs and move inside on other downs. He probably could be a solid safety in the league if he focuses in on that position.

Tom Telesco has never worried about the size of players in the draft. He wants to see their production. Jason Verrett was brought on at corner despite everyone’s love for a tall corner. Brandon Flowers was signed in free agency and he isn’t huge. Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead are both Tom Telesco signings. Manti Te’o was brought in despite the lack of eye-opening numbers at the combine. TT just wants to see the tape. Can you play football? Shaq Thompson can play football and the team would find a way to use him on defense.

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