Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report
2017 NFL Draft: Scouting report for former Stanford defensive lineman and 2017 NFL Draft top prospect Solomon Thomas…
Although it’s almost a sure thing that Myles Garrett becomes a member of the Cleveland Browns when they spend the first overall pick on the Texas A&M product, teams in search of an equally impressive talent will have to look no further than Stanford’s Solomon Thomas.
While Thomas may not defy the laws of physics as Garrett does, he may be more pro-ready than Garrett. He ran a 4.69-40 and threw up 30 reps on the bench press. Just because Garrett is a freak doesn’t mean Thomas isn’t an anomaly himself.
Measurables
Height: 6’3″
Arm Length: 33″
Weight: 273 lbs
Hands: 9 3/8″
Strengths
He is built and athletic. His frame is chiseled and his agility for his size is jaw-dropping. Thomas had a 40-yard dash time of 4.69 seconds. He registered 30 reps on the bench. The former Stanford star has the ideal combination of size and speed that has left NFL teams drooling for his services.
His arsenal of moves is also impressive as he can use power, speed or a combination of both to evade blockers. Thomas can also dial-up a lethal spin move if he so desires. He’s got a knack for finding gaps through the trenches and fights his way to the backfield. He’ll make a gap if there isn’t a preexisting one.
Thomas has the desire to make every single play on the field. He attacks quickly with his speed and power, never giving up on a play until the whistle is blown. His relentless pursuit of the ball carrier will also leave blockers unable to recover after he makes a move.
Hands and feet move into position simultaneously. Whereas some defenders move their feet prior to their hands, Thomas coordinates those movements together. That’s something that isn’t easily identifiable to the average football fan but is crucial in games and means the world to scouts.
Weaknesses
One of the few concerns with Thomas is whether or not he can keep enough weight on his body to fight in the NFL trenches. He’d benefit from adding a few pounds but 273 pounds certainly doesn’t register as undersized by any means.
He is known as a snap-count guesser. Thomas jumped offsides seven times during the 2016 campaign. NFL coaches will not tolerate that and he’ll have to figure out how to make better reads.
The offensive linemen in the NFL are a heck of a lot bigger than those in the college ranks. His strength and speed will still be effective but some worry that his ability to be a game-changer will be limited if his element of power is somewhat neutralized.
Final Thoughts
Don’t read too far into the weaknesses section as the pros far outweigh the cons. Only mother nature can conjure up a force to stop Thomas from penetrating through the line.
Too bad mother nature doesn’t have pads and isn’t in the NFL. Thomas is a surefire top-ten pick and there is a more than reasonable chance that he comes off the board within the first five picks.