San Francisco 49ers: 20 worst NFL Draft picks in franchise history
By Peter Panacy
No. 6: Defensive End Solomon Thomas
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round (third overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft
In fairness, the Niners managed to find some gems in the 2017 NFL Draft, particularly All-Pro tight end George Kittle in Round 5.
But their two first-round picks that year ended up being a total disappointment.
Reuben Foster already makes the list, but John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s first ever pick upon taking over the team that year was Solomon Thomas, who was generally viewed as one of the safest picks in that year’s draft.
Yet the 49ers played Thomas out of position his rookie season, hoping to get him to capitalize on an outside pass rush, which never materialized. Thomas then had to deal with the tragic passing of his sister the following season, which cut into his production.
In 2019, Thomas was then relegated to rotational duties, appearing on just over 40 percent of the defense’s snaps that year.
Granted, Thomas emerged as a good depth piece for San Francisco. But considering top-five selections are expected to be perennial Pro Bowlers and anchor points for any franchise, Thomas’ underachievements have to be considered a massive disappointment.