Solomon Thomas--Stanford

Originally posted by tankle104:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by tjd808185:
He never made the Pro Bowl, never was All pro there it's not me who downgraded him. They were terrible though.

Who gives a f**k? He made players around him better and at the time had dog s**t around him. He ended his career as a 5x pro bowler and 2x all pro...such a horrible rebutted.

How can anyone knock Justin smith?? lol absurd! the guy played the game the right way and was a force to be reckoned with!

One of the most dominate Niners in history, at leas the last 30 years.

I would love to have another player just like him! People get too caught up in "stats", even J. Smith said stats are for losers. His position wasn't one that garnered much flashiness, but made a big difference in the game.

btw we didn't give him a massive contract in free agency cause he was some scrub. That was one of the largest contracts we had given out, and ended up being one of the best FA we have signed.

Bingo

Originally posted by SteveYoung:
Read up son.

-Natural-born leader of men

-Intelligent field general. Gets secondary aligned properly

-"The people who have been at that program the longest think he might be the best leader LSU has had in years. He's a no-doubt first-rounder. He can play all over the field and he could have an immediate impact on defense just like Landon Collins did coming out. I love him. I think he's a winner." - AFC area scout

-Interchangeable safety with a sheriff's mentality. Adams is a physical tone-setter who should thrive near the line of scrimmage or in a robber role. Should be a commanding presence in the locker room early on and his do-as-I-do play demeanor could be the catalyst for turning a struggling defense around quickly.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jamal-adams%3Fid%3D2557979&ved=0ahUKEwjk1tPQ2erSAhVBwYMKHS1FD6gQFgimATAg&usg=AFQjCNG_J9HC-cmMlZrVjs1aiBZZ9EH8vw

This is who we need. Not another player to rotate on the strongest part of our team.

Did you seriously say that with a straight face? Strongest part of our team?

Last I checked we were one of the worst run defenses in the history of the sport. Last I checked our pass rush was awful. How the hell can you say the DL was the strongest part of our team? It has the most early first round picks invested on it...doesn't mean it's the strongest part of our team. If anything the safety position is the strongest part of our team.

Originally posted by tjd808185:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Who gives a f**k? He made players around him better and at the time had dog s**t around him. He ended his career as a 5x pro bowler and 2x all pro...such a horrible rebutted.

If he made players better why did they suck every year? He was solid on a horrible d.

now your just being ridiculous...hating on Justin Smith to try an prove your right. god lord

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by tjd808185:

Originally posted by NYniner85:
Who gives a f**k? He made players around him better and at the time had dog s**t around him. He ended his career as a 5x pro bowler and 2x all pro...such a horrible rebutted.

If he made players better why did they suck every year? He was solid on a horrible d.

now your just being ridiculous...hating on Justin Smith to try an prove your right. god lord

This

Thanks NC! Interesting stuff.

From the anti Thomas crowd, can you give me one thing that's a major red flag on the guy?

i'm not seeing it outside of "he's not an ideal fit"

Sounds like the exact same type of thought process why great players fall through the cracks and teams end up kicking themselves for passing on them.

Is it a horrible thing if we end up having 3 stud defnesive linemen in Armstead, Buckner and Thomas? Do you really think the coaches can't find ways to use them all if that was the case?

You'd rather roll the dice on a prospect who has a lot more questions about them so we don't have to draft 3 DLmen in 3 years?

Originally posted by jonnydel:
Bennett doesn't stay in one spot, they move him around and he does line up as a LEO at times, 8 of his 11 sacks in 2013 came from the "LEO" spot, the other 2 from when they moved him around inside for different matchups.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1967772-nfl-free-agency-breaking-down-michael-bennetts-production-in-2013

As his production has increased, Bennett has played the LEO more on passing downs. I remember in the SB against NE he was playing the LEO a lot. Then, against the Falcons he was playing LDE more on base downs. He's a player that provides flexibility to gain production out of a number of D-line spots - Thomas would be of that kind of mold. I don't think he'd be strict LDE. You could see him line up at LDE on base downs or at LEO if AA ever starts producing. That'd give a monster D-line if you can have 3 guys that size, that speed able to disrupt and still have the speed to rush the passer.

Yup, if you're a natural edge rusher, you can most likely rush from either side interchangeably. That was sort of the point of Seifert's Elephant anyhow...stand up, give him a bit more space to gain momentum. The Chargers used to take Merriman and just let him walk back and forth, find the weak OL or hole and just go at the snap. Haley, Doleman, Harris, etc. Yup.

Originally posted by dtg_9er:
Thanks NC! Interesting stuff.

You bet!

Originally posted by lamontb:

Originally posted by Memphis9er:

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by SteveYoung:
Read this. It sums up everything that I have been saying.

http://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2017/03/22/espns-mel-kiper-taps-hot-name-to-49ers-in-mock-nfl-draft/

Jamal Adams will be the pick. He checks all the boxes and we won't have to fit a square peg in a round hole with him. Book it

Thomas is suited best as a 3-4 defensive tackle. And even then, he needs to gain weight to hold up there in the NFL. He appears to have the frame and skill set to be good in that role. He's great at shooting gaps and gaining leverage against guards and centers.

But he doesn't look like a player that should kick outside, where flexibility, multiple pass-rushing moves and length are needed – particularly when talking about a player getting taken second overall that weighs in the 270s. He's not built to play in space, he's built to occupy blockers. And those kind of players aren't top-five picks.

After going back and watching game film, I am even more against drafting Thomas, he's a very good 3tech, but when he was put on the outside, he wasn't nearly as good. Barnett is a much better choice as a Leo, which is what we need, not another guy on the inside. If we needed another 3tech, I'd be all for grabbing him, but we don't, so I'm not.

This 100%

and no one is saying he's a LEO...i'll add how is Barnett this master edge rusher when he's slower, has shorter arms, and wasn't as explosive as Solomon

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by SteveYoung:
Read up son.

-Natural-born leader of men

-Intelligent field general. Gets secondary aligned properly

-"The people who have been at that program the longest think he might be the best leader LSU has had in years. He's a no-doubt first-rounder. He can play all over the field and he could have an immediate impact on defense just like Landon Collins did coming out. I love him. I think he's a winner." - AFC area scout

-Interchangeable safety with a sheriff's mentality. Adams is a physical tone-setter who should thrive near the line of scrimmage or in a robber role. Should be a commanding presence in the locker room early on and his do-as-I-do play demeanor could be the catalyst for turning a struggling defense around quickly.

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=http://www.nfl.com/draft/2017/profiles/jamal-adams%3Fid%3D2557979&ved=0ahUKEwjk1tPQ2erSAhVBwYMKHS1FD6gQFgimATAg&usg=AFQjCNG_J9HC-cmMlZrVjs1aiBZZ9EH8vw

This is who we need. Not another player to rotate on the strongest part of our team.

Did you seriously say that with a straight face? Strongest part of our team?

Last I checked we were one of the worst run defenses in the history of the sport. Last I checked our pass rush was awful. How the hell can you say the DL was the strongest part of our team? It has the most early first round picks invested on it...doesn't mean it's the strongest part of our team. If anything the safety position is the strongest part of our team.

You didn't hear we signed Earl Mitchell

Originally posted by jonnydel:

Originally posted by SteveYoung:

Originally posted by jonnydel:
He was a DE in name only because he played the 5 tech in a 3-4.....You do realize he made the pro-bowl as both a DT and DE because of that, right?? When we were in "nickel" 70% of the time Cowboy was inside as a DT.

I ask, why can't he be the "LEO"?? That's where Michael Bennett plays, most of the time, and he's nearly the exact same height, weight, arm length and is darn near unblockable, at times, in pass rush. If Bennet hadn't been there in the SB against NE it would've been a blowout. The only problem NE had in that game was Bennett.

Thomas is a guy who has not only shown top tier athleticism, but also a relentless motor.

Michael Bennett is not the LEO. He is the LDE. Cliff Avril is the LEO.

Bennett doesn't stay in one spot, they move him around and he does line up as a LEO at times, 8 of his 11 sacks in 2013 came from the "LEO" spot, the other 2 from when they moved him around inside for different matchups.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1967772-nfl-free-agency-breaking-down-michael-bennetts-production-in-2013

As his production has increased, Bennett has played the LEO more on passing downs. I remember in the SB against NE he was playing the LEO a lot. Then, against the Falcons he was playing LDE more on base downs. He's a player that provides flexibility to gain production out of a number of D-line spots - Thomas would be of that kind of mold. I don't think he'd be strict LDE. You could see him line up at LDE on base downs or at LEO if AA ever starts producing. That'd give a monster D-line if you can have 3 guys that size, that speed able to disrupt and still have the speed to rush the passer.

Word...yeah we couldn't use a Bennett talent on our DL

Originally posted by jonnydel:
Bennett doesn't stay in one spot, they move him around and he does line up as a LEO at times, 8 of his 11 sacks in 2013 came from the "LEO" spot, the other 2 from when they moved him around inside for different matchups.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1967772-nfl-free-agency-breaking-down-michael-bennetts-production-in-2013

As his production has increased, Bennett has played the LEO more on passing downs. I remember in the SB against NE he was playing the LEO a lot. Then, against the Falcons he was playing LDE more on base downs. He's a player that provides flexibility to gain production out of a number of D-line spots - Thomas would be of that kind of mold. I don't think he'd be strict LDE. You could see him line up at LDE on base downs or at LEO if AA ever starts producing. That'd give a monster D-line if you can have 3 guys that size, that speed able to disrupt and still have the speed to rush the passer.

Thank you for that. People are so hung up on where the guy played in college and his weight that it's like it's inconceivable that he could play at other positions. It doesn't mean he'll be there all the time but his versatility and ability to get pressure from inside or outside, his mix of strength and agility is special.

You put this kid anywhere and he will make plays. Coaches love guys like this. The only people who screw this up are front office guys who can't get over the "traditional" measurables.

Thomas is still raw, that's what's crazy about this. He can still get much better with time and coaching. There are certain guys who transcend scheme and can make plays no matter what. He looks like one of them.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by lamontb:

Originally posted by Memphis9er:

Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:

Originally posted by SteveYoung:
Read this. It sums up everything that I have been saying.

http://ninerswire.usatoday.com/2017/03/22/espns-mel-kiper-taps-hot-name-to-49ers-in-mock-nfl-draft/

Jamal Adams will be the pick. He checks all the boxes and we won't have to fit a square peg in a round hole with him. Book it

Thomas is suited best as a 3-4 defensive tackle. And even then, he needs to gain weight to hold up there in the NFL. He appears to have the frame and skill set to be good in that role. He's great at shooting gaps and gaining leverage against guards and centers.

But he doesn't look like a player that should kick outside, where flexibility, multiple pass-rushing moves and length are needed – particularly when talking about a player getting taken second overall that weighs in the 270s. He's not built to play in space, he's built to occupy blockers. And those kind of players aren't top-five picks.

After going back and watching game film, I am even more against drafting Thomas, he's a very good 3tech, but when he was put on the outside, he wasn't nearly as good. Barnett is a much better choice as a Leo, which is what we need, not another guy on the inside. If we needed another 3tech, I'd be all for grabbing him, but we don't, so I'm not.

This 100%

and no one is saying he's a LEO...i'll add how is Barnett this master edge rusher when he's slower, has shorter arms, and wasn't as explosive as Solomon

It's from looking at pure production stats. Barnett was highly productive in his career but many think it won't directly translate over to the NFL as he's got wide hips and lacks the COD quickness to get around tackles. Makes him a one trick pony rusher. What I like about Thomas over Barnett is he's got quicker hips. It means he'll be more likely to add a speed rush to his repetoire and be a pass rusher with more variance. I stick with my Nick Perry comparison with Barnett. He'll be productive, but most likely won't be able to produce double digit sacks year in and year out - which makes him a definite "no" as the 2nd overall.

Thomas has a much higher ceiling for pass rush IMO. While not Jason Taylor fast, he has the potential to be a good mix of size, strength and speed off the edge like so many dominant pass rushers in the past.

For those of you advocating taking a S at two, there has been one S drafted in the Top 3 of the draft since 1991. The value of the position simply isn't there, even in a single high scheme. Not only that, Hooker is injured and Adams is a strong safety.

Thomas brings more value in nickel alone with his ability to rush the passer from any DL position and the productivity he would likely bring from those spots.

You can try him at LEO, but only if the coaching staff doesn't ask him to drop weight. If they ask him to drop weight, then just forget about the whole idea. It sounds extremely stupid.

Sticking him at 3-tech would be okay..... I guess.

Originally posted by genus49:
Thank you for that. People are so hung up on where the guy played in college and his weight that it's like it's inconceivable that he could play at other positions. It doesn't mean he'll be there all the time but his versatility and ability to get pressure from inside or outside, his mix of strength and agility is special.

You put this kid anywhere and he will make plays. Coaches love guys like this. The only people who screw this up are front office guys who can't get over the "traditional" measurables.

Thomas is still raw, that's what's crazy about this. He can still get much better with time and coaching. There are certain guys who transcend scheme and can make plays no matter what. He looks like one of them.

People don't want to experiment and try different guys out at different positions because we just had a cutsey GM named Trent Baalke who thought he could draft guys and experiment with whatever he wanted to.

Carradine? All over the place. And probably screwed up his development too. Now he's a bust.

Drafting Jimmie Ward to be a nickel corner?

etc etc.....

It's like asking the new GM to draft ACL guys because you see it as a value pick. Can you be successful doing it? Sure you can. How likely is it though?