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2017 NFL Draft: San Francisco 49ers Picks, Grades and Analysis

By Nicholas McGee

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A general view before the start of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick No. 3

Player: [DE] Solomon Thomas, Stanford

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 273 pounds

College Statistics

The 49ers scored an early win, moving down one spot to allow the Bears to jump above them and take Mitchell Trubisky.

In return, the Niners received a third and a fourth-round pick from Chicago this year, as well as a third-rounder next year.

And with selection No. 3, the 49ers took a player they likely had their eye on anyway, Stanford’s Solomon Thomas.

Thomas isn’t an edge-bending pass rusher, but he wins consistently inside, proving a nightmare for the man who went above him, in Stanford’s bowl game this past season.

San Francisco has now spent its last three first-round picks on defensive linemen and Arik Armstead, with his shoulder issues and generally average play, now looks a possibility to be traded.

Strengths

Thomas boasts a scary combination of power and quickness, he explodes off the snap and can generate almost instant penetration to the inside.

He has strong hands to rip away from offensive linemen and disengage quickly when playing the run.

Combining his quickness with an inside swim move, Thomas can split double-teams and has a tireless motor, while also showcasing excellent awareness, rapidly reading and reacting to what he sees.

Weaknesses

Thomas’ size will lead him to be washed away when he is met by run blockers, and has also had difficulties with offsides and neutral zone infraction penalties.

He sometimes runs out of ideas when his initial rush stalls, but if he can develop a plan B then he should be a wrecking ball for the 49ers.

Why he fits

You can never have enough pass rushers, whether that’s on the interior or off the edge.

Thomas gives the 49ers somebody who is uniquely adept at winning on the inside and, together with DeForest Buckner, should form a formidable partnership with DeForest Buckner.

It’s not a perfect fit, though, particularly with Thomas’ struggles against the run. And, if they cannot get Buckner, Thomas and Armstead to work as a trio, the latter may have to go.

Grade: A-