Solomon Thomas--Stanford

Originally posted by tjd808185:

The Giants have 2 SB's and you can't take that from them but they've never built a great team either. Winning from the 6th seed twice and most of the time they're watching the playoffs. They build dominating lines, not just with the 1sts though Tuck, Usi, Strahan are 2/3rds, and that can take over. They never built a perennial contender though.

That D was the only reason they've won those SBs and the only reason they were competive this past yr. they value DL and id bet money if they were drafting high and didn't already spend a butt load of money on Vernon, JPP, and sacks...Allen or Solomon would be the pick.

Go look at Carolina they draft DL all the time, build the trenches...there isn't a player worth the 2nd pick besides Solomon or Myles imho. Safety at two? Get real there hasn't been a safety drafted that high tech like 20+ yrs. RB at two? f**king joke in today's game and the draft is full of good RBs. CB? Who you taking? There's talent all over the place and we had a fine secondary last yr.

All time epic failure at stopping the run and getting to the qb...weird Solomon is very good at both lol.

Originally posted by NYniner85:
That D was the only reason they've won those SBs and the only reason they were competive this past yr. they value DL and id bet money if they were drafting high and didn't already spend a butt load of money on Vernon, JPP, and sacks...Allen or Solomon would be the pick.

Go look at Carolina they draft DL all the time, build the trenches...there isn't a player worth the 2nd pick besides Solomon or Myles imho. Safety at two? Get real there hasn't been a safety drafted that high tech like 20+ yrs. RB at two? f**king joke in today's game and the draft is full of good RBs. CB? Who you taking? There's talent all over the place and we had a fine secondary last yr.

All time epic failure at stopping the run and getting to the qb...weird Solomon is very good at both lol.

Eli's 15 to 1 TD to int ratio may of factored in too and I wouldn't take that bet if they were also missing a franchise qb, a #1 wr which they value too. Those guys aren't there but we're not the Giants or running their exact d either. LB is important to Seattle see Wagner, Irvin. Atl drafting Beasley.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by tjd808185:
If you want to talk about what makes Seattle's d tick just remember it turned into complete dog sh after Earl Thomas got hurt. Their secondary drives the d and if you go to their SB year they held opposing qb's to a stupid 63 qb rating. That's 13 points better than our spectacular d that year. Bennett and Avril are great but Seattle had a great d before they entered the picture. Most are built thru the line but their gold mine is the secondary. The d line is just one piece of the puzzle and having to spend high picks on Thomas and then a Leo afterwards is going to damper what we can do elsewhere. BTW if we don't land Cousins hold onto your butts because it's going to be a long rebuild.

No doubt he's a huge piece to the D, but that was never part of the discussion in here. It was who's more important a LEO like Bruce Irvin or a DE like Micheal Bennett.

When Bennett was out this yr 3 out of the 5 teams they played scored 20+ vs that defense.

Having a strong front on the DL and OL is the building blocks to a having a solid team. I'll add if all you need is one stud DE in this 4-3 why did the Jags pay top dollar for Campbell when they already had Jackson? Todd Walsh is running the same defense that we will be?

This argument amounts to the chicken or the egg applied to football. One model was SF's which had a dominant front with the Smith combo (J and A), Willis and Bowman, and the other is one that has a secondary capable of single high/man such as Seattle's. Both work, and it depends on personnel.

Relating this back to the draft you have to take the guy you believe will have the most impact at the next level, it's that simple. I don't think drafting Earl Thomas, Eric Berry or Ed Reed in the top 10 would've hurt those clubs any. Why? Because those are f'ing great players. The point is that if you are drafting in the top 5, they have to be impact players wherever they happen to be. If you really believe Malik Hooker is the next Ed Reed, you draft him at 2 and don't look back. Personally, my top 5 are:

1. Garrett
2. Allen
3. Fournette
4. Hooker
5. Adams

In reality, a QB is going to sneak into the top 5 come draft day so this isn't a reflection of where I think they will be drafted.

Originally posted by Ensatsu:

In this scheme, he would not even be playing the run anyway. He'd either be a LEO or a 3-tech, but the higher likelihood is that he will mainly be a 3-tech since he's never played EDGE in college. Both are specialized pass rushers. 3-tech would only be responsible for one gap.

Yes we have a bad run defense, but drafting him to supplement run defense makes no sense when that is mainly the NT's (Mitchell) assignment and also the 5-tech (Buckner) who are the main guys who play two gaps in this scheme. If you want to fix run defense, they should be looking out for a better NT.

So what are you really drafting him for? You draft him because maybe you are not sold on Armstead as an attacking 3-tech because of his shoulder issue. That should be 90% of why you get him for a #2 overall pick.

The other 10% is maybe you think he can be a good LEO, but you shouldn't really count on it. And if it doesn't work, they really shouldn't be surprised at all.

The other option is that you can have him play the 5-tech to stop the run. Then have Buckner be the attacking 3-tech. Either way will work, but I think Buckner hasn't been a liability in the run like Armstead has, so it shouldn't matter too much.

I don't think drafting Thomas would give any indication on AA. I mentioned this a couple times in this thread but I see him as a SAM in base.

Remember that Lynch/Shanny mentioned that we would be implementing a 5 man front. He'd be a great fit on the strong side with either his hand down or up as he showed his athleticism at the combine and can easily drop into zone coverage if need be.

He can also rotate in at 3T on base, but in nickel he can excel at every front 4 position. I just don't see him as full time LEO as some are suggesting.

Originally posted by tjd808185:

Eli's 15 to 1 TD to int ratio may of factored in too and I wouldn't take that bet if they were also missing a franchise qb, a #1 wr which they value too. Those guys aren't there but we're not the Giants or running their exact d either. LB is important to Seattle see Wagner, Irvin. Atl drafting Beasley.

And we have Bow,just signed smith,and ray ray ...your not gonna draft everything in one yr and you know this...we stay at 2 Solomon is the BPA and would do nothing but make this team better.

I'm sure that DL had nothing to do with holding the Pats to 17 pts...They also held the Pats running game to 83 yards total with BGE as the leading back with 44 yards.

Oh you think NY would draft one of these QBs or top WRs at two?? I highly doubt that.

Originally posted by Ninerfan84:

I don't think drafting Thomas would give any indication on AA. I mentioned this a couple times in this thread but I see him as a SAM in base.

Remember that Lynch/Shanny mentioned that we would be implementing a 5 man front. He'd be a great fit on the strong side with either his hand down or up as he showed his athleticism at the combine and can easily drop into zone coverage if need be.

He can also rotate in at 3T on base, but in nickel he can excel at every front 4 position. I just don't see him as full time LEO as some are suggesting.

No I don't either...he can play all over based off his athletic ability and strength. A guy that isn't pigeonholed to one spot is a plus.

'

I was waiting for Greg Gabriel to do a breakdown of Thomas as the Bears are thought to be one of the teams to show real interest in him.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/16/gabriel-scouting-stanford-de-solomon-thomas/?

One of the most interesting defensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft is Stanford end Solomon Thomas. Some have wondered whether he could be in play for the Bears at No. 3 overall. Thomas is entering his draft as a third-year sophomore. He redshirted as a freshman and has been a starter the last two seasons, over which he was highly productive with a combined 101 total tackles and 11.5 sacks, including this past year. Thomas gained a lot of acclaim in the when he dominated against North Carolina in the Sun BOwl. Thomas is a really good player, but he doesn't play every game like he played that one.

Thomas isn't the biggest lineman at 6-foot-3 and at 273 pounds. He ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash. He has good length with 33-inch arms and is explosive. His agility drills were also good, posting a 6.95 in the three-cone drill and a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle. He has excellent strength both in the weight room and on the field.

What I really like about Thomas' play is his motor. He's the type to go all out of every play and is tough, physical and competitive. The 21-year-old Thomas has strong, quick hands and good hand use for such a young player. His instincts are excellent, and he finds the ball and makes plays. He holds the point of attack and make plays at the line of scrimmage. With his quick first step, he can get penetration and be disruptive.

As a pass rusher, Thomas shows excellent initial quickness, stays low and has the flexibility to get under his opponent to gain leverage. He shows speed off the edge and can bull rush or use moves to beat offensive linemen. Thomas wins with both speed and power and can close really well.

His size is his main weakness. He played in the 260s this past season and was up to 273 at the NFL Combine. He plays like a tweener in that while we see his strength and explosion on tape, we don't see that timed speed he displayed at the combine. At the NFL level, I see him as a 4-3 defensive end.

As for his potential fit in the Bears' scheme, I don't envision him being able to play the 5-technique in their base defense. He's too small, and I don't see him having the ability to get to 290 pounds and keep his current athleticism.

Thomas does have the athleticism to play on his feet as an outside linebacker in the Bears' scheme. While he hasn't played in coverage, he showed at the combine that pass drops won't be a problem. Still, because he has no experience in coverage, it will be new to him, and there will be a period of adjustment. If the Bears drafted him as an outside linebacker, he would be rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage on most passing downs.

Could the Bears select at No. 3? It's possible, but based on his traits, I don't see it happened. I just don't think he can play the 5-technique and have success in the NFL. That's not meant to take anything away from what he can be — I just don't think he's the best fit for Chicago. Put him in the type of scheme that Lovie Smith used to utilize, and he could be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

'

I was waiting for Greg Gabriel to do a breakdown of Thomas as the Bears are thought to be one of the teams to show real interest in him.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/16/gabriel-scouting-stanford-de-solomon-thomas/?

One of the most interesting defensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft is Stanford end Solomon Thomas. Some have wondered whether he could be in play for the Bears at No. 3 overall. Thomas is entering his draft as a third-year sophomore. He redshirted as a freshman and has been a starter the last two seasons, over which he was highly productive with a combined 101 total tackles and 11.5 sacks, including this past year. Thomas gained a lot of acclaim in the when he dominated against North Carolina in the Sun BOwl. Thomas is a really good player, but he doesn't play every game like he played that one.

Thomas isn't the biggest lineman at 6-foot-3 and at 273 pounds. He ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash. He has good length with 33-inch arms and is explosive. His agility drills were also good, posting a 6.95 in the three-cone drill and a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle. He has excellent strength both in the weight room and on the field.

What I really like about Thomas' play is his motor. He's the type to go all out of every play and is tough, physical and competitive. The 21-year-old Thomas has strong, quick hands and good hand use for such a young player. His instincts are excellent, and he finds the ball and makes plays. He holds the point of attack and make plays at the line of scrimmage. With his quick first step, he can get penetration and be disruptive.

As a pass rusher, Thomas shows excellent initial quickness, stays low and has the flexibility to get under his opponent to gain leverage. He shows speed off the edge and can bull rush or use moves to beat offensive linemen. Thomas wins with both speed and power and can close really well.

His size is his main weakness. He played in the 260s this past season and was up to 273 at the NFL Combine. He plays like a tweener in that while we see his strength and explosion on tape, we don't see that timed speed he displayed at the combine. At the NFL level, I see him as a 4-3 defensive end.

As for his potential fit in the Bears' scheme, I don't envision him being able to play the 5-technique in their base defense. He's too small, and I don't see him having the ability to get to 290 pounds and keep his current athleticism.

Thomas does have the athleticism to play on his feet as an outside linebacker in the Bears' scheme. While he hasn't played in coverage, he showed at the combine that pass drops won't be a problem. Still, because he has no experience in coverage, it will be new to him, and there will be a period of adjustment. If the Bears drafted him as an outside linebacker, he would be rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage on most passing downs.

Could the Bears select at No. 3? It's possible, but based on his traits, I don't see it happened. I just don't think he can play the 5-technique and have success in the NFL. That's not meant to take anything away from what he can be — I just don't think he's the best fit for Chicago. Put him in the type of scheme that Lovie Smith used to utilize, and he could be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Originally posted by BuZzB05:

Originally posted by mayo49:

Originally posted by BuZzB05:
I believe Solomon Thomas is special talent. We must draft him.

Yeah, really excited to possibly drafting this kid. If we don't go QB at #2, this is my next choice.

I don't mind if we can draft to Solomon Thomas at #2. I will be happy with that. We will draft to Mahome in 2nd round or Peterman in 3round or Chad Kelly in 5th or 6th round.

Yeah, I definitely cream my pants if we got Thomas.

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
'

I was waiting for Greg Gabriel to do a breakdown of Thomas as the Bears are thought to be one of the teams to show real interest in him.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/16/gabriel-scouting-stanford-de-solomon-thomas/?

One of the most interesting defensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft is Stanford end Solomon Thomas. Some have wondered whether he could be in play for the Bears at No. 3 overall. Thomas is entering his draft as a third-year sophomore. He redshirted as a freshman and has been a starter the last two seasons, over which he was highly productive with a combined 101 total tackles and 11.5 sacks, including this past year. Thomas gained a lot of acclaim in the when he dominated against North Carolina in the Sun BOwl. Thomas is a really good player, but he doesn't play every game like he played that one.

Thomas isn't the biggest lineman at 6-foot-3 and at 273 pounds. He ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash. He has good length with 33-inch arms and is explosive. His agility drills were also good, posting a 6.95 in the three-cone drill and a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle. He has excellent strength both in the weight room and on the field.

What I really like about Thomas' play is his motor. He's the type to go all out of every play and is tough, physical and competitive. The 21-year-old Thomas has strong, quick hands and good hand use for such a young player. His instincts are excellent, and he finds the ball and makes plays. He holds the point of attack and make plays at the line of scrimmage. With his quick first step, he can get penetration and be disruptive.

As a pass rusher, Thomas shows excellent initial quickness, stays low and has the flexibility to get under his opponent to gain leverage. He shows speed off the edge and can bull rush or use moves to beat offensive linemen. Thomas wins with both speed and power and can close really well.

His size is his main weakness. He played in the 260s this past season and was up to 273 at the NFL Combine. He plays like a tweener in that while we see his strength and explosion on tape, we don't see that timed speed he displayed at the combine. At the NFL level, I see him as a 4-3 defensive end.

As for his potential fit in the Bears' scheme, I don't envision him being able to play the 5-technique in their base defense. He's too small, and I don't see him having the ability to get to 290 pounds and keep his current athleticism.

Thomas does have the athleticism to play on his feet as an outside linebacker in the Bears' scheme. While he hasn't played in coverage, he showed at the combine that pass drops won't be a problem. Still, because he has no experience in coverage, it will be new to him, and there will be a period of adjustment. If the Bears drafted him as an outside linebacker, he would be rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage on most passing downs.

Could the Bears select at No. 3? It's possible, but based on his traits, I don't see it happened. I just don't think he can play the 5-technique and have success in the NFL. That's not meant to take anything away from what he can be — I just don't think he's the best fit for Chicago. Put him in the type of scheme that Lovie Smith used to utilize, and he could be a perennial Pro Bowler.

Kind of funny that soon as we switch to a 4-3 we're arguably looking at the best fit for us for the new defense at #2. If we stayed with the 3-4 with Garrett being gone there's no pass rusher worth #2 overall. Barnett is a 4-3 guy as well but the guys who could transition to OLB are simply not top 5 guys.

If we can't trade down then you take this guy and worry about the rest when we get to it.

Originally posted by genus49:
Kind of funny that soon as we switch to a 4-3 we're arguably looking at the best fit for us for the new defense at #2. If we stayed with the 3-4 with Garrett being gone there's no pass rusher worth #2 overall. Barnett is a 4-3 guy as well but the guys who could transition to OLB are simply not top 5 guys.

If we can't trade down then you take this guy and worry about the rest when we get to it.

The benefits of 4-3 is that most top passrushing prospects are usually better fits for 4-3, due to the fact that they don't have to learn a new position and learn how to cover.

I don't think there's any question Thomas is the next best guy after Garrett. But what does this mean for AA and Buckner?

If they go defense then I'd be happy with this guy or Hooker

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
'

I was waiting for Greg Gabriel to do a breakdown of Thomas as the Bears are thought to be one of the teams to show real interest in him.

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2017/03/16/gabriel-scouting-stanford-de-solomon-thomas/?

One of the most interesting defensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft is Stanford end Solomon Thomas. Some have wondered whether he could be in play for the Bears at No. 3 overall. Thomas is entering his draft as a third-year sophomore. He redshirted as a freshman and has been a starter the last two seasons, over which he was highly productive with a combined 101 total tackles and 11.5 sacks, including this past year. Thomas gained a lot of acclaim in the when he dominated against North Carolina in the Sun BOwl. Thomas is a really good player, but he doesn't play every game like he played that one.

Thomas isn't the biggest lineman at 6-foot-3 and at 273 pounds. He ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash. He has good length with 33-inch arms and is explosive. His agility drills were also good, posting a 6.95 in the three-cone drill and a 4.28 in the 20-yard shuttle. He has excellent strength both in the weight room and on the field.

What I really like about Thomas' play is his motor. He's the type to go all out of every play and is tough, physical and competitive. The 21-year-old Thomas has strong, quick hands and good hand use for such a young player. His instincts are excellent, and he finds the ball and makes plays. He holds the point of attack and make plays at the line of scrimmage. With his quick first step, he can get penetration and be disruptive.

As a pass rusher, Thomas shows excellent initial quickness, stays low and has the flexibility to get under his opponent to gain leverage. He shows speed off the edge and can bull rush or use moves to beat offensive linemen. Thomas wins with both speed and power and can close really well.

His size is his main weakness. He played in the 260s this past season and was up to 273 at the NFL Combine. He plays like a tweener in that while we see his strength and explosion on tape, we don't see that timed speed he displayed at the combine. At the NFL level, I see him as a 4-3 defensive end.

As for his potential fit in the Bears' scheme, I don't envision him being able to play the 5-technique in their base defense. He's too small, and I don't see him having the ability to get to 290 pounds and keep his current athleticism.

Thomas does have the athleticism to play on his feet as an outside linebacker in the Bears' scheme. While he hasn't played in coverage, he showed at the combine that pass drops won't be a problem. Still, because he has no experience in coverage, it will be new to him, and there will be a period of adjustment. If the Bears drafted him as an outside linebacker, he would be rushing the passer and not dropping into coverage on most passing downs.

Could the Bears select at No. 3? It's possible, but based on his traits, I don't see it happened. I just don't think he can play the 5-technique and have success in the NFL. That's not meant to take anything away from what he can be — I just don't think he's the best fit for Chicago. Put him in the type of scheme that Lovie Smith used to utilize, and he could be a perennial Pro Bowler.

We're not running Lovie's scheme (i.e. the "traditional 4-3 front).

Originally posted by ronniefreakinlott42:
I don't think there's any question Thomas is the next best guy after Garrett. But what does this mean for AA and Buckner?

Buckner will be fine wherever, AA has to prove his worth.

It sucks when a mid first round pick from just two years ago has to do that but that's what happens when a new regime comes in, changes the system and that pick has very limited snaps to show them what he's got.

I'm hoping he turns into a stud and our coaches biggest challenge is how to get them all on the field together but we can't pass up on a guy who is perfect for our defense in the hopes that Baalke's guy works out.

I would not be surprised at all to see him traded during the draft.