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49ers training camp 2018: Solomon Thomas making strides, D.J. Reed impressing

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Reggie Bush #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs drills during a practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Reggie Bush #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs drills during a practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 10: Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up 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 warms up 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) /

The San Francisco 49ers finished their second of three 2018 training camp practices on Monday, and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and defensive back D.J. Reed stood out in good ways. This and more from the Niners’ Aug. 6 practice session.

Later this week, we’ll finally be able to analyze an actual San Francisco 49ers game, as head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad opens up the 2018 preseason with a home bout against the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 9.

Until then, the Niners had training camp practice on Monday with another on Tuesday, which will be followed by a brief-walk through the day before the game.

A number of players stood out during Monday’s camp session, especially second-year defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, who had little trouble overworking blockers in one-on-one and unit drills.

Case in point, Thomas made easy work out of second-year offensive lineman Erik Magnuson, quickly shooting through the B-gap and getting into the backfield (h/t C.J. Peterson of SF Bay):

Magnuson might not be the biggest of tests for San Francisco’s top pick from the 2017 NFL Draft. But as Fourth and Nine’s Dylan DeSimone showed here, the level of violence Thomas is now using with his hand motion is commendable.

It’s important too. After finishing 2017 with a 53.2 overall grade last year, per Pro Football Focus — ninth worst among all first-round rookies — Thomas will be one of the players hinging on a major bounce back this season.

Thomas should benefit from a clearer role this season too, occupying the LEO spot on base downs before bumping inside in sub packages, where he can put his pass-rushing skills to the best use.

So far, so good. At least from Monday’s vantage point.

Here are the other tidbits and notes from 49ers training camp practice on Aug. 6.