National Football League

Report: Newest Panther Shaq Thompson to miss bulk of OTAs?

Published May. 1, 2015 12:52 p.m. ET

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The Carolina Panthers shocked many when they made former Washington linebacker Shaq Thompson their first pick in the 2015 NFL draft. While Carolina's pick may have been a bit unexpected, it gives them a versatile playmaker who should fit right in with their talented defense.

Unfortunately for Thompson and the Panthers, the rookie linebacker will be getting a late start this offseason, according to David Newton of ESPN.

"First-round draft pick Shaq Thompson is scheduled to be at Bank of America Stadium on Friday to start a crash course on the Carolina Panthers defense, but the outside linebacker likely will miss most of the team’s offseason program." said Newton.

Newton continued the explanation by stating that, "Because the University of Washington is on a quarter system that runs into June, Thompson will be on campus studying for exams while the Panthers are in organized team activities."

It's an unfortunate bit of news, but you have to respect Thompson for making sure to finish up school. Expect the former college standout to get up to speed quickly, as he even made sure to explain that he has a game plan to make sure he's prepared.

“I’m very disappointed,’’ Thompson said of the time he will miss. “... But I have a plan for what I’m going to do and work my way into there.’’

(h/t ESPN.com)

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