In the 1st round of the 2015 NFL Draft, 3 University of Washington prospects were taken. This is the most selected in the 1st round ever for UW. In 1995, 2 Dawgs were taken in round 1,  RB Napolean Kauffman (Rd 1, 18th overall) and TE Mark Bruener (Rd 1, 27th overall). 2 Dawgs were also taken in round one of the 1992 Draft, DT Steve Emtman (Rd 1, 1 overall) and CB Dana Hall (Rd 1, 18th overall). Looking back at the 2014 UW squad it’s amazing to think about how much talent was on the defensive side of the ball for Chris Petersen. Danny Shelton, Marcus Peters (before he was kicked off the team) and Shaq Thompson were 3 of those stud playmakers. The question now being which one will make the biggest impact for their new team in his rookie campaign?

Danny Shelton has gone through some tremendous heartache in his life but he hasn’t let it get to him. When he was selected 12th overall by the Cleveland Browns Shelton gave Roger Goodell the biggest hug. There is nothing more inspiring then someone overcoming the odds and being able to reach their dream. This is also a perfect landing spot for Shelton because the Browns have a need for a large DT who can take up 2 OL and create space for the LB’s to rush the QB or shoot into the opposing backfield to stop the RB. He may even have a shot at starting due to the Browns lack of talent in the defensive trench. I really believe Shelton will become one of the most dominate run stopping DT’s in the league but he will need to get acclimated to the speed and aggression of the NFL game.

Marcus Peters is a top-10 talent but he had some major character concerns due to being kicked off the UW football team mid-season. He ended up only dropping slightly and being taken 18th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs. What impressed me was his man to man coverage ability and playmaking ball skills. He regularly played bump and run coverage with outstanding results, 5 interceptions in 2013 and 3 in 2014, and he also showed a willingness to get down and dirty making open field tackles. The biggest concern with him is his attitude. The Huskies didn’t have a lot of upper-class talent in the defensive backfield and Peters was clearly their best secondary player but he still was selfish enough to not want to listen to his coaches and get himself kicked off the team. He let down the seniors in the locker room with his behavior but hopefully this will be the wake up call he needs. I can see Peters developing into a top flight CB if he changes his attitude and is willing to listen to criticism or if he doesn’t shape up I can see him being out of the league for being another diva.

Shaq Thompson is the most intriguing Husky prospect taken in the 1st round because of his uncanny versatility. In 2014 he played as a pass rushing/run stuffing LB, a coverage LB and a RB. He even won the Paul Hornung award which is given out to the most versatile college football player. The most important aspect of his game is his ability to make impact, game changing plays. He stripped a Cal player at the goaline and took it back 99 yards for a UW TD, he had a 57 yard rushing TD against Eastern Washington, and he might have played his best game of the season against Illinois, scoring on a 36 yard INT and a 52 yard fumble recovery. This montage highlights the impact which Thompson could make. The main concern that I kept hearing was what position is he going to play in the Pros; LB, Safety, or RB? While he could play anyone of those positions effectively I believe he will end up mostly playing weakside LB in a 4-3 with the ability to drop back into coverage and serve as a hybrid safety during passing downs. Being selected 25th overall by the Carolina Panthers all but confirms this. He will now be able to learn the position from 2 of the best LB’s in the league, Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly. The trio of Davis, Kuechly and Thompson will form the most intimidating and ferocious LB corps in the NFL. This might sound strange but I could see Thompson actually getting a few carries for the Panthers as well just to mix up the offense.

Out of the 3 UW Huskies taken in the 1st round I believe Shaq Thompson will make the largest immediate impact as well as become the best long term player out of him, Danny Shelton and Marcus Peters. Thompson will benefit from being an understudy to Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly which should help him develop faster. His unnatural athleticism and versatility along with his work ethic and willingness to learn will make him a fan favorite in Carolina as well as an invaluable member of that defense.