Comparing Brian Urlacher to Shaq Thompson - 4-3 Mike Linebacker Tampa 2 Mar 3, 2015, 10:10pm 
Urlacher started college at safety, switched to MLB as he put on weight, then back to free safety, red zone WR, punt returns and kickoff coverage.Thompson was recruited as a safety, but spent time at OLB, running back, and kickoff coverage.Urlacher started at 218 pounds but left college at 247.Thompson weighed in at 228 at the combine. To play Mike Linebacker he needs to put on 10-20 pounds.Urlacher Combine:•4.59 40 yard dash•34" vertical•122 inch broad jump•6.94 3-cone•4.18 20-yard shuttle•27 reps 225 lb.Thompson Combine:•4.64 40 yard dash•33.5" vertical•117 inch broad jump•6.99 3-cone•4.08 20-yard shuttle•11.78 60-yard shuttleSimilar combine measurables. The key comparison is their starts at safety, move to linebacker, and exceptional positional versatility. Both have some experience on special teams and offense. Urlacher also projected as either ILB or OLB because of his pass coverage ability. This is the key to the Tampa 2 scheme. Tampa 2 Scheme, is a 4-3 Defense, with Cover 2 AND the Middle Linebacker will often drop into deep middle zone (Cover 3) on pass plays. They are very much like a 3rd Safety. That is the important trait that both Urlacher and Thompson have as their core foundation. Safety. Quote from Shaq Thompson: "But I want to put it out there: I'm a linebacker. Outside linebacker. Strong side, that's where I feel most comfortable. It's basically like a strong safety. Nowadays, this is a passing game. You need linebackers who can cover and drop in zone. And I'm a three-down player. You don't have to take me off the field. Even on special teams, you don't have to take me off. I love special teams, especially kickoff coverage." The Bucs could use a guy like him at MLB if he can handle 15 pounds more. Either way he would give the Bucs some needed depth at linebacker/safety. He has the potential to be a Brian Urlacher in the Tampa 2. Maybe. link
