In the last two drafts, the 49ers have selected defensive ends in the first round. According to ESPN draft expert Todd McShay, the third time’s the charm.
McShay dropped his latest mock draft (3.0) on ESPN.com Wednesday, and has the 49ers taking Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas with the second overall pick. Like previous first-round selections Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, Thomas is not a pass-rushing specialist, and is considered to have the skill set of a DT/DE hybrid.
Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley aren’t long-term answers at quarterback, but them signing with San Francisco may free up the 49ers to take a top-tier talent like Thomas here before drafting a developmental QB on Day 2. With a good combination of quickness and power, Thomas would be a good fit for the defense Robert Saleh hopes to build out West.
Thomas excelled with the Cardinal last season, winning the Morris Trophy (awarded to the best defensive lineman in the Pac-12) and was named Pac-12 defensive player of the year. Thomas recorded eight sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 13 games. NFL.com compares Thomas’ skill-set to that of Justin Smith.
There is little doubt that Thomas is a top talent, but questions remain as to if the 49ers, who still have holes all over the roster, should take a player that is eerily similar to the two they have taken with the first pick in previous drafts. Mel Kiper has the 49ers taking quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the second overall pick, and doesn’t even have Thomas in the top 10, which gives you an idea about how much of a crapshoot this draft truly is.
Because there is no consensus on who the best players actually are, it would seem that a team like San Francisco would lean towards an area of immediate need, and not select another DE, aside from the transcendent Myles Garrett should he fall. However, if San Francisco truly believes Thomas is the best player available, it could be deja vu all over again.