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San Francisco 49ers: 2017 NFL Draft report card

By Peter Felsch

Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (l to r) San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch , linebacker Reuben Foster , defensive lineman Soloman Thomas , and head coach Kyle Shanahan pose for photos during the press conference at Levi's Stadium Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Solomon Thomas (Stanford) is selected as the number 3 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, No. 3 overall (trade with Chicago)

Solomon Thomas, DT Stanford — A+

The 49ers swapped picks with the Chicago Bears, who selected quarterback Mitch Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick. San Francisco subsequently selected Solomon Thomas. In addition to swapping picks, the Niners also acquired a future 2018 third-round pick.

Thomas can play all over the defensive line and be an instant impact player for the 49ers. He brings a fierce element the team was lacking — a combination of pass-rush ability and stopping the run in the trenches.

In the previous two drafts the Niners selected D-lineman and Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, so this isn’t the most pressing need. But head coach Kyle Shanahan will plug him in in multiple spots to utilize his versatility.

This is a home-run first pick from John Lynch, who voiced his skill set on Thomas, via the Mercury News, “I think we see a special football player, a disruptive football player who has tremendous versatility.”