The San Francisco 49ers could stand to use upgrades at nearly every position this NFL Draft. Armed with the No. 2 overall pick, Niner Noise takes a look at Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas.
If Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas wound up going to the San Francisco 49ers at No. 2 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, it would mean the Niners had drafted three-consecutive defensive linemen in Round 1 dating back to 2015.
But it might not be a bad idea.
Thomas would likely be an immediate upgrade over Arik Armstead, San Francisco’s first-round pick from 2015.
San Francisco 49ers
And it’s not too hard to imagine him lining up next to fellow DE DeForest Buckner either.
Drafting Thomas at No. 2 isn’t out of the question either. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah recently mocked Thomas to the 49ers in his latest draft prediction.
Jeremiah wrote, “Thomas has the versatility to play up and down the line of scrimmage, and he seems like a perfect match for what John Lynch is trying to build.”
Additionally, Niner Noise’s latest two-round mock had Thomas going to the Niners as well.
So let’s take a look at whether or not Thomas would be a good idea for San Francisco at No. 2 overall.
And, if selected, we’ll also project the fit and try to identify how he’ll be a significant upgrade for a 49ers defense needing playmakers.
Solomon Thomas’ Measurements and NFL Scouting Combine Results
Solomon Thomas measures in at 6-foot-3 and 273 pounds. While this might be a bit of a “tweener” size, it is plausible he’d fit right in as a 4-3 defensive end under new coordinator Robert Saleh.
4-3 defenses tend to cover up tweeners a bit better than 3-4 schemes anyway.
“It really doesn’t matter,” Thomas said at the combine (h/t Rebecca Toback of the Cincy Jungle. “I can beef up and be that 3-4 defensive end, or slide down to a ‘3’ if they go to an over front. I can also be a 4-3 defensive end and still move down to that ‘3’ technique. I can move outside if you want me to. I’ll play wherever they need me to. I can play ‘em all.”
Thomas ran a 4.69 40-yard dash time, which isn’t terrible for a defensive end either.
He was also able to post 30 reps on the bench press too. And his hands measured at 9 3/8 inches, with 33-inch arms and a 78 7/8-inch wingspan.
Breaking Down the Statistics
Solomon Thomas’ junior year (2016) showcased why he can be such a pocket-wrecking force at the next level.
He’s not just a pass-rushing specialist, although his 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss last year do more than enough to suggest he can get behind the line of scrimmage:
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/13/2017.
Thomas also has good tackling numbers for an interior lineman. And considering how weak San Francisco’s run defense was a year ago, plugging in a player like Thomas could vastly help the Niners defense prevent holes at the point of attack.
It helps Pro Football Focus gave Thomas the No. 1 overall grade for interior linemen against the run (92.0) and the No. 6 overall grade for the same category in the pass rush.
Breaking Down the Film on Solomon Thomas
One of the things that sticks out on tape is Solomon Thomas’ motor. He doesn’t take a play off and is the type of defender regularly around the ball.
It’s also nice to know he can line up in any situation as well. He’s not just limited to a strict defensive end role.
You can catch a glimpse of his attributes in this DraftBreakdown.com video below:
You can see how frequently Thomas winds up drawing two blockers, freeing up Stanford’s other pass-rushers in the process. And Thomas’ ability to disengage and move towards the ball is on display as well.
It’s also notable how Washington’s offense rarely runs to his side.
And if that didn’t convince you, this Bleacher Report video (h/t Sports Politicien) should:
Yeah, Thomas is certainly one of the better presences on the interior of the defensive line.
Solomon Thomas Scouting Reports & Fit
The whole tweener thing does cause a bit of a concern. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke this down and suggested Solomon Thomas could wind up being a traditional defensive end on early downs, switching to the interior on passing plays.
Zierlein’s final analysis included this:
"Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro."
Interestingly enough, Zierlein compares Thomas to former 49ers defensive lineman Justin Smith.
Now that isn’t too shabby, isn’t it.
If the 49ers wind up bringing Thomas aboard, they’ll likely have a decision to make regarding fellow lineman Arik Armstead.
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Armstead’s run defense wasn’t good last year, although he was hampered by a shoulder problem that eventually ended his season prematurely. And yet Thomas, by all accounts, is a sizable upgrade over Armstead.
It is also possible the Niners slate Thomas as more of an edge rusher in specific passing situations, leaving Armstead on the field and allowing Thomas to assume the role of the “LEO” linebacker — a move that might make use of his size.
Next: Risers, Fallers & Final NFL Scouting Combine Takeaways
Whatever the case, the 49ers could do much, much worse with their first pick in the NFL Draft than selecting Thomas to bulk up the defensive line and replicate the days when Smith was imposing his will.