49ers’ 2018 ‘Who Is?’ series: Defensive end Solomon Thomas

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field before their game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi's Stadium on September 10, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #94 and Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the Seattle Seahawks missed a field goal attempt at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Solomon Thomas #94 and Eli Harold #57 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after the Seattle Seahawks missed a field goal attempt at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Projected Impact with the 49ers in 2018

It’s possible the old rule preventing still-in-college players from participating in offseason programs hindered Solomon Thomas’ rookie development a year ago.

And the Niners moving Thomas around the line a lot last year also carries some weight here.

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Heading into 2018, the hope is San Francisco establishes a clear role for Thomas. Late last year, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh (h/t David Fucillo of Niners Nation) likened the idea of having Thomas on the edge, at the weak-side defensive end spot, on base downs. This is where Thomas could put his solid run-stopping abilities to good use.

In sub packages, however, Thomas would move to the strong-side 5-technique spot, or the big end, where he’d be able to use his interior pass-rushing abilities to a better use.

This is where Thomas thrived last season. And if he’s able to make that substantial leap between years one and two, one could easily look back at Thomas’ rookie season and forget about any misgivings.

He might not develop into an elite pass-rusher, but that’s not always the point. What would matter here is being a true pocket disruptor — someone similar to what the 49ers enjoyed not long ago with former defensive end Justin Smith.

Like Smith, Thomas could eventually be the guy responsible for locking up two or three blockers on any given play, freeing up other Niners defenders to get pressure.

Next: 49ers' 5 biggest questions heading into training camp

If that works, one should expect Thomas to finally have his breakout season in 2018.