With all of the excitement <a href="http://www.hssmstore.com/andy-lee-jersey-c-1_38.html">http://www.hssmstore.com/andy-lee-jersey-c-1_38.html</a> surrounding the Carolina Panthers offense this offseason, several interesting developments have flown relatively under the radar. One such development is linebacker Shaq Thompson coming into his own. A first round draft pick in 2015, Thompson has spent the past two seasons learning the Ron Rivera defense and steadily improving all the way.

Today, at only 23 years old, Thompson is ready to play a more important role in the Carolina Panthers defense.

First indications of Thompson’s potential “Breakout Player” status came earlier this offseason when Panthers head coach Ron <a href="http://www.ky-oo32.com/daryl-worley-jersey-c-1_17.html">http://www.ky-oo32.com/daryl-worley-jersey-c-1_17.html</a> Rivera indicated Thompson would be taking reps from Thomas Davis. Think about that for a moment. In what should be a playoff season, the Panthers are trusting Shaq Thompson to replace the heart of their defense in a more consistent basis.

You might as well hang a blinking neon sign above Shaq’s head proclaiming his arrival to the Carolina Panthers elite.

The next significant factor in Shaq’s possible “Breakout Player” status is the promotion of Steve Wilks to defensive coordinator. Wilks is a more aggressive defensive mind than former coordinator Sean McDermott was. This could translate into Thompson taking more chances but yielding greater rewards this season.

For instance, don’t be shocked if the <a href="http://www.ochomesnloans.com/devin-funchess-jersey-c-1_28.html">Devin Funchess Kids Jersey</a> Panthers use Thompson in a joker role from time to time. Disguising himself as a linebacker and dropping into safety coverage at the last minute is a recipe for multiple interceptions and maximum impact for Shaq. Not many players have the physical ability to play the joker role. Thompson, however, is an ideal candidate.

So when discussing the upcoming season around the water cooler this summer, don’t forget to drop Shaq’s name from time to <a href="http://www.yadeos.com/ed-dickson-jersey-c-1_17.html">Ed Dickson Youth Jersey</a> time. You can thank me later.