Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 10 players to watch during 2019 training camp

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: San Francisco 49ers stretch 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: San Francisco 49ers stretch 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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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Rashod Hill #69 of the Minnesota Vikings blocks Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 27: Rashod Hill #69 of the Minnesota Vikings blocks Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

No. 10: Defensive End Solomon Thomas

Just over two years ago, defensive end Solomon Thomas was pegged as the first new hope for the 49ers’ regime under Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. Fast forward to 2019, and Thomas is vying for some kind of role amid a crowded defensive line.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Thomas’ first two seasons have been marked by misuse, personal tragedy and a general failure to live up to his No. 3 overall draft billing.

One might understand the circumstances behind Thomas’ early struggles. But in a league where “what have you done for me lately?” is the common theme, it’s easy to understand why 2019 will prove to be a make-or-break season for the former Stanford standout.

Four sacks over two seasons wasn’t going to cut it, and now Thomas finds himself battling with fellow defensive lineman Arik Armstead for the final starting spot in San Francisco’s base defense.

Armstead is in a contract year, so he’ll have plenty of motivation coming into training camp. Thomas needs to meet and exceed it if he wants to find himself in a regular role.

Additionally, Thomas needs to justify to the Niners coaching staff he was worth the third overall draft pick back in 2017.

To date, he has yet to do so.