NFL trade deadline: 5 players the 49ers should try moving in 2018

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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) /

No. 1: Defensive End Solomon Thomas

Alright, time to save what would be the ultimate shocker if it happened.

The 49ers made their mark in 2017 by selecting defensive end Solomon Thomas at No. 3 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. John Lynch praised Thomas’ versatility when drafted, and the Niners envisioned him playing all over the defensive line and flashing both his solid run-stopping abilities and mixing in a dynamic pass rush.

Well, it hasn’t happened. At least in the pass-rush department.

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In fairness to Thomas, who is best used as an inside pass-rusher, the 49ers haven’t put him in too many positions to succeed. As a result, he’s seen his snap count diminish, as the Niners have put more faith in fellow linemen Arik Armstead, Ronald Blair and Sheldon Day along the interior.

So, why?

Well, former 49ers safety Donte Whitner, who now works for NBC Sports Bay Area, had the following to say about Thomas’ situation:

"I’m not disappointed in him individually because I think he was put into the wrong situation. When you watch him on run downs and quick screens, he makes plays on the football and tackles in the open field. He’s an outside 3-4 linebacker who can rush the quarterback and drop some in coverage."

According to Whitner, Thomas simply doesn’t fit as an end in San Francisco’s 4-3 base scheme. And the 49ers aren’t putting him above Armstead, Day or Blair in sub packages either.

Moving Thomas, while he’s less than two years into his rookie contract, would be a glaring admission of a mistake by the Niners regime. But trying to get something out of Thomas with the very real possibility it never comes would be an even bigger mistake.

Next. 3 big mistakes the 49ers made entering 2018. dark

Thomas is still young, promising. He should get some attention for some defensive-needy teams looking for an upgrade.