Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 25 players for 2018

By Chris Wilson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 20: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after he sacked Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium on November 20, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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San Francisco 49ers Solomon Thomas
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Quarterback Tyler Bray #9 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes as defensive end Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers defends during the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

8. DE Solomon Thomas

After consistently dominating defenses in college, defensive end Solomon Thomas quickly discovered that NFL offensive lineman present a greater challenge than their NCAA counterparts. The San Francisco 49ers’ No. 3 overall draft pick had a disappointing rookie campaign, finishing the season with only three sacks.

The Niners still have high expectations for Thomas, as the lineman’s development was stunted last season after he missed organized team activities due to antiquated league rules, and then was forced to learn multiple positions as the team tested him in various spots on the defensive line.

In 2018, the 49ers need Thomas to play like a lineman worthy of a third overall selection and a guaranteed contract worth over $28 million. As one of San Francisco’s highest-paid players, Thomas will hopefully provide his team with some return on their investment, beginning this season.