National Football League

Shaq Thompson starts off by working with the second-team defense

Published Jun. 14, 2015 4:24 p.m. ET

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Shaq Thompson was wrapping up his school work before attending OTAs with the Carolina Panthers, so obviously the team isn't in any rush to push him into the first-team defense. According to Jonathan Jones of the Charlotte Observer, Thompson began his work over the last two practices by joining the second unit.

"He worked in a limited role with the second-team defense in the two practices as A.J. Klein took the first-team reps with Luke Kuechly and Thomas Davis at linebacker." Jones explained.

He also went on to say that while he believes he took some steps and improved in the two practices, that assistant coach Steve Wilks believes the rookie still has plenty of work left to do.

“I thought he played well,” said Wilks, who coached practice Thursday in place of Rivera, who was at his daughter’s college graduation. “It’s going to take some time for him to catch up with the other guys, but he’s a smart guy. Coach Holcomb is working with him extra in the afternoons as well as in the morning, so he’s going to pick it up. You see his athleticism is outstanding, and his movement. He’s going to make a lot of plays for us this year.”

There's no reason to sweat the situation with Thompson, as he's likely going to continue to grow this offseason and I wouldn't be surprised to see him grab a starting spot next to Kuechly and Davis. For now, though, he's still focused on learning the defense and getting up to speed.

(h/t Charlotte Observer/News & Observer)

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports