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San Francisco 49ers: Complete 7-Round Mock for the 2017 NFL Draft

By Peter Panacy

Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the San Francisco 49ers helmet before game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The 49ers beat the Broncos 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1: Defensive End Solomon Thomas, Stanford

Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 273 pounds

The 49ers have already drafted two defensive ends in consecutive years, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, but Stanford’s Solomon Thomas is an entirely different player altogether.

Thomas is a pocket-wrecking force, who registered 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss last year.

On top of that, Thomas helps reinforce what was the Niners’ biggest weakness last season — the run defense.

As Pro Football Focus’ metric below shows (h/t PFF’s Jordan Plocher), Thomas’ run-stopping ability is also one of his major strengths:

One can imagine an offensive line with Thomas playing the right defensive tackle position. But he’s flexible enough to move all around the line as needed.

That should significantly boost a San Francisco defensive line, especially with up-and-coming defenders like Armstead and Buckner in the mix.

And just like that, the 49ers defense could be back on its way to being dominant again.