Solomon Thomas was a name that rose up draft boards throughout the entire 2017 NFL Draft process. He has the potential to completely change a defense’s pass rush and the San Francisco 49ers were happy to take him with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.
With the #3 overall pick, the @49ers select @StanfordFball DE @SollyThomas90!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Bl9pfRAM88
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2017
Last season with the Stanford Cardinal, Thomas ended up recording 61 total tackles to go along with 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Thomas will be asked to help fix a defensive line that was desperate for help last season. He will also team up with last year’s first-round pick, DeForest Buckner, who had a very successful rookie season.
John Lynch is making it clear that he is prioritizing the defense in the draft. Many thought that San Francisco would consider taking a quarterback in the first round, but obviously, that didn’t end up happening.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com broke down the bottom line for Thomas and it should excite 49ers’ fans.
“Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro.”
All of that being said, expect to see Thomas become a cornerstone of the San Francisco defense. He will end up making the 49ers very happy that they made the decision to draft him.
Do you think drafting Solomon Thomas with the No. 3 overall pick was the right decision for the 49ers? If not, who do you think they should have drafted?
Stay tuned to This Given Sunday for continuing coverage of the 2017 NFL Draft!
