5 SF 49ers players to watch in Week 1 vs. Cardinals

No. 4: SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Solomon Thomas

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but this is Solomon Thomas’ final chance to prove himself.

I know it seems like he hasn’t lived up to his draft stock as a third overall pick, but in the wise words of The Office’s Michael Scott, “Everyone deserves a second, second chance.”

Thomas has struggled in his three years in the NFL. The 2017 third-overall pick in the draft has been disappointing at best, an absolute failure at worst. Thomas has never looked at home on the field for the Niners, and although he somewhat settled into a role as a rotational player last season, he never became the defensive line stalwart fans expected from him.

However, the buzz coming out of 49ers training camp is Thomas has finally looked to be the player he was drafted to be. It is certainly interesting that he is listed as the starter over Javon Kinlaw on the unofficial depth chart referred to earlier.

Perhaps the rumors are true this time.

However, it is hard to believe after three years in a row of Thomas failing to live up to the hype. If Thomas were to step up, it would be awesome for San Francisco. The 49ers defensive line was perhaps the strongest part of the team last season, and trading away DeForest Buckner has left a hole from that line.

If Thomas can step up to fill it, it would be great news for this team.

That is why Thomas is an important player to watch this Sunday, because however unlikely it seems, if he has finally taken a step forward, you don’t want to miss it.