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San Francisco 49ers Select Solomon Thomas: Rapid Draft Grade

By Erik Lambert

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /

The San Francisco 49ers got the trade down they wanted, then brought in a local star for their rebuilding defense in Solomon Thomas.

From the logical standpoint the pick makes plenty of sense. John Lynch is a defensive guy and plans to move forward with a 4-3 defense. Currently he has no dynamic pass rush threat up front who fits that sort of scheme. Thomas changes that. He’s athletic enough to play defensive end but also big enough to move inside to defensive tackle. It depends on where they want him.

Here’s what Mocks expert Dylan Huberman had to say about Thomas and what he can bring to the table.

"“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.”"

Grade:  A

Considering the huge job ahead for Lynch and his front office to rebuild this franchise, starting with a relatively safe pick made perfect sense. Thomas isn’t elite in any regard but he’s rock solid in most areas and should have a productive pro career. If he reaches his full potential? The guy has a chance to become a perennial Pro Bowler.

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