Redrafting the 49ers’ 2017 NFL Draft class two years later

Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Solomon Thomas of Stanford with Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked by the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 04: Jamal Adams #33 of the New York Jets reacts in the fourth quarter of their game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Original Pick: Solomon Thomas

In this redraft, the 49ers are still able to trade down with the Bears. It made sense to do so. After all, the Niners were in the opening phases of an all-out rebuild, and the added picks would help.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

But instead of grabbing Solomon Thomas, who has been relegated to a rotational player after two underwhelming years at the pro level, San Francisco reinforces its secondary by grabbing LSU safety Jamal Adams.

Adams at No. 3 might have been a bit of a reach, yet the defensive backfield crop of prospects in 2017 was considered pretty deep, particularly at the top. Given LSU’s track record of producing top-tier NFL talent, it wouldn’t have been a bad move.

Especially considering Pro Football Focus ranked the 49ers secondary dead last in 2018.

Instead, the New York Jets ended up grabbing Adams at No. 6 overall, and he’s got a Pro Bowl nod under his belt.

OK, sure. Maybe the Niners should have grabbed now-Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. But hindsight also gives the knowledge quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is coming to San Francisco later in the year, so let’s pass on that move.