Offensive tackles were gone, putting defense on the cards.
The Carolina Panthers selected Washington outside linebacker Shaq Thompson with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. It's a move that helps the team immediately, while putting in place a long-term plan to have a successor for Thomas Davis when he decides to hang it up.
Thompson was a fan-favorite for his aggressive style and above-average athleticism. Given how the board broke it can definitely be seen as a need meets BPA pick, even if that need doesn't immediately present itself like offensive tackle does.