Solomon Thomas--Stanford

Originally posted by bzborow1:

Not seeing the best fit with current personnel and Thomas.

Leo: Aaron Lynch (Tank Carradine)
DT: Arik Armstead (Solomon Thomas?)
DT: Earl Mitchell (Quinton Dial)
DE: DeForest Buckner
Sam: Ahmad Brooks (Eli Harold)

These guys arent going to play 95% of the snaps each game. You need a strong rotation.


Ultimately it comes down to whether or not you believe that Thomas can be a significantly better player than Armstead.


I do, and dont really care all that much what happens to him. Thomas is one of the better overall prospects Ive seen in awhile.

If Thomas out plays AA, we can always trade him or keep him as a solid backup.

Originally posted by SteveYoung:

Best post yet out of these 95 pages.

If we draft Thomas he plays 3 tech and we still need a NT and a LEO. Plain and simple. And that means we are throwing AA to the curb. That's the issue.

Or, we can draft another stud like Adams who fills a huge need and a LEO in round 2 and see what we have in AA. It's like you guys are forgetting all the positive news from him at camp last year before he hurt his shoulder.

Undersized DT'S come around every year.

Lol so now he's a 3-tech...dude your all over the place. Yeah let's spend a first on a SS in the box SS come around every yr, see I can say that too.

You keep bringing up AA like he's done anything for us? You talk about how bad we need a NT yet we brought in a 300lb Mitchell to plug holes. You talk about needing to stop the run, yet Thomas was best in the nation at doing that lol.

A week ago you were in love with the kid, if your main issue is drafting DL three yrs in a row just say it...trying to say Thomas all of a sudden can't do this or that because you don't want to draft DE is silly.

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:

If the season started today Buckner would be the perceived starter at the 5 tech. In the Seahawks style defense, he is asked to two gap often. Buckner seems the most natural gifted to play this position of the current 49ers. Late last season I noticed teams adjusting in-game and beginning to run the ball away from Buckner. He's only going to get better in all phases of his game.

My question to you Maddog is if the niners do draft Thomas do you see them starting him at the 5 tech and moving Buckner to the three then on pass downs kicking Thomas inside with a probable rotation with Armstead? Or do they keep Buckner there in base and give Thomas the opportunity at the three tech. He may have to gain a little weight but he'd be asked to one gap and shoot upfield which is where he would have a chance to really make his prescence felt with his skill set?

To me Thomas is the better fit on the outside over Buckner. I think if someone gets outside on either guy Thomas gets to him much quicker. I also think Buckner's size inside gives him an advantage when trying to bat passes down and his ability to push guys back helps the guys on the outside while preventing the QB from stepping up into the pocket.

But with the two of them we can play them depending on the strengths/weaknesses of the opposing OL. If their interior guys struggle with quickness well get Thomas in there to give them hell. If they struggle vs size get Buckner in there.

Once again, versatility is a good thing.

Are you f**king Maddog?!



































JK....

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:
Are you f**king Maddog?!
JK....

yes, right in the butt.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by SteveYoung:

Best post yet out of these 95 pages.

If we draft Thomas he plays 3 tech and we still need a NT and a LEO. Plain and simple. And that means we are throwing AA to the curb. That's the issue.

Or, we can draft another stud like Adams who fills a huge need and a LEO in round 2 and see what we have in AA. It's like you guys are forgetting all the positive news from him at camp last year before he hurt his shoulder.

Undersized DT'S come around every year.

Lol so now he's a 3-tech...dude your all over the place. Yeah let's spend a first on a SS in the box SS come around every yr, see I can say that too.

You keep bringing up AA like he's done anything for us? You talk about how bad we need a NT yet we brought in a 300lb Mitchell to plug holes. You talk about needing to stop the run, yet Thomas was best in the nation at doing that lol.

A week ago you were in love with the kid, if your main issue is drafting DL three yrs in a row just say it...trying to say Thomas all of a sudden can't do this or that because you don't want to draft DE is silly.

I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.

I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently​ even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently​, even in base and then kick Buckner in?

Overall it would be a good problem to have.

Originally posted by ChazBoner:

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:

Are you f**king Maddog?!
JK....

yes, right in the butt.

"Your crazy man, I like you but your crazy."

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:
I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.

I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently​ even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently​, even in base and then kick Buckner in?

Overall it would be a good problem to have.

Exactly. DLine is a special beast as a unit. It's probably the one unit that gets subed out the most out of all the other ones. You may have some substitutions at DB but for the most part your starters will see the most snaps, QB, OL all pretty much play their starters all the time. LBers pretty much play starters though obviously get subed out in certain packages but the DL easily has the most guys coming and going whether it's linebackers coming down and rushing or the big run stoppers coming out on obvious passing downs or just guys getting breathers so in the 4th quarter they're not winded as hell.

People say drafting him is a luxury...how can anyone honestly say that given how bad we were on defense last year? Sure it was a group effort but in a 4-3 the DL is key and making assumptions that guys we had last year plus Earl Mitchell will suddenly hold down the fort and become a strong unit moving forward is the perfect way to keep sucking.

There are 0 red flags with Thomas. Only question is where he will play. I have yet to hear anyone give a good reason to be concerned with this kid.

Sure nothing is guaranteed but this kid checks off all the boxes on what makes successful NFL players. I liked him before but the article Phoenix posted about him seeking out a boxer for extra training to help his hands get faster and stronger just made me even that more excited about this kid. Showing that type of initiative and looking to grow as a player and not being complacent is a fantastic trait. It's what makes the good players into great ones.

Lots of guys are content to just be good athletes and think they can get by on that. Some go the extra mile and watch film, lift, listen to their coaches...then there's that extra group who do all that and more. It's not enough and they try to find every competitive edge to improve their game.

How do you say no to that type of player just because you're not sure where he'll play? Let the coaches figure that out. With those physical and mental attributes this kid will succeed wherever he plays on the line.

If people can't think of a legit reason to be concerned about this kid's NFL potential then don't overthink this just because we took Armstead and Buckner back to back.

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:
I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.

I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently​ even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently​, even in base and then kick Buckner in?

Overall it would be a good problem to have.

Agreed! While I do think there are a lot of other good prospects, I just think Thomas has that "it" factor. He seems to have it all and what Lynch is looking for to build this team.

I agree with the "tweener" stuff, but I think Buck and Thomas are so versatile and can be moved around. We will be playing our of nickel well over 60% of the time which makes him even more valuable. Someone posted an article about Bennett and how he lined up everywhere including the LEO last yr.

Like offense you need a strong front on defense, that's what makes everything go IMO. I hope AA can turn it around, but at this point he's a ? and I can't see why our GM/HC have to pass on a blue chip prospect because Baalke over drafted someone.

We got like a month to go! Love this time of yr lol

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:
I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.

I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently​ even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently​, even in base and then kick Buckner in?

Overall it would be a good problem to have.

Exactly. DLine is a special beast as a unit. It's probably the one unit that gets subed out the most out of all the other ones. You may have some substitutions at DB but for the most part your starters will see the most snaps, QB, OL all pretty much play their starters all the time. LBers pretty much play starters though obviously get subed out in certain packages but the DL easily has the most guys coming and going whether it's linebackers coming down and rushing or the big run stoppers coming out on obvious passing downs or just guys getting breathers so in the 4th quarter they're not winded as hell.

People say drafting him is a luxury...how can anyone honestly say that given how bad we were on defense last year? Sure it was a group effort but in a 4-3 the DL is key and making assumptions that guys we had last year plus Earl Mitchell will suddenly hold down the fort and become a strong unit moving forward is the perfect way to keep sucking.

There are 0 red flags with Thomas. Only question is where he will play. I have yet to hear anyone give a good reason to be concerned with this kid.

Sure nothing is guaranteed but this kid checks off all the boxes on what makes successful NFL players. I liked him before but the article Phoenix posted about him seeking out a boxer for extra training to help his hands get faster and stronger just made me even that more excited about this kid. Showing that type of initiative and looking to grow as a player and not being complacent is a fantastic trait. It's what makes the good players into great ones.

Lots of guys are content to just be good athletes and think they can get by on that. Some go the extra mile and watch film, lift, listen to their coaches...then there's that extra group who do all that and more. It's not enough and they try to find every competitive edge to improve their game.

How do you say no to that type of player just because you're not sure where he'll play? Let the coaches figure that out. With those physical and mental attributes this kid will succeed wherever he plays on the line.

If people can't think of a legit reason to be concerned about this kid's NFL potential then don't overthink this just because we took Armstead and Buckner back to back.

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by Willisfn4life:

I have to admit that I've slowly gotten on the Thomas bandwagon. The more and more you picture it, the more a vision of Buckner and Thomas developing into a dynamic duo alongside the dline makes your mouth water a bit. There's been a ton of speculation where Thomas' "tweener" abilities would fit best in this defense. I admit that my problem with young "tweeners" is kind of like Jimmy Ward. They get moved around alot and it can stall their development a bit but I look at a guy like Thomas and I have to agree with you NY, he's a great blue chip prospect, much moreso than Ward was and its hard to pass up on that talent.

I'd be curious if he was drafted what the team itself visualizes for him. Buckner is already a great fit for the 5 tech in this defense. Is Buckner moved inside more permanently​ even in base and you keep Thomas at the 5 then kick him inside similarly to Michael Bennett? Or does the team ask him to get to around 285 and try him at the three more permanently​, even in base and then kick Buckner in?

Overall it would be a good problem to have.

Exactly. DLine is a special beast as a unit. It's probably the one unit that gets subed out the most out of all the other ones. You may have some substitutions at DB but for the most part your starters will see the most snaps, QB, OL all pretty much play their starters all the time. LBers pretty much play starters though obviously get subed out in certain packages but the DL easily has the most guys coming and going whether it's linebackers coming down and rushing or the big run stoppers coming out on obvious passing downs or just guys getting breathers so in the 4th quarter they're not winded as hell.

People say drafting him is a luxury...how can anyone honestly say that given how bad we were on defense last year? Sure it was a group effort but in a 4-3 the DL is key and making assumptions that guys we had last year plus Earl Mitchell will suddenly hold down the fort and become a strong unit moving forward is the perfect way to keep sucking.

There are 0 red flags with Thomas. Only question is where he will play. I have yet to hear anyone give a good reason to be concerned with this kid.

Sure nothing is guaranteed but this kid checks off all the boxes on what makes successful NFL players. I liked him before but the article Phoenix posted about him seeking out a boxer for extra training to help his hands get faster and stronger just made me even that more excited about this kid. Showing that type of initiative and looking to grow as a player and not being complacent is a fantastic trait. It's what makes the good players into great ones.

Lots of guys are content to just be good athletes and think they can get by on that. Some go the extra mile and watch film, lift, listen to their coaches...then there's that extra group who do all that and more. It's not enough and they try to find every competitive edge to improve their game.

How do you say no to that type of player just because you're not sure where he'll play? Let the coaches figure that out. With those physical and mental attributes this kid will succeed wherever he plays on the line.

If people can't think of a legit reason to be concerned about this kid's NFL potential then don't overthink this just because we took Armstead and Buckner back to back.

Good post. I think a big problem last season was the complex system and a young defense being asked to do too much thinking pre snap. I'm not so sure O'Neil was coaching it's​ installation the best either. This scheme is not as overly complicated as last years and that will help. In this scheme there will be far less pre snap moving parts and even post snap and there will be more focus on positioning players and allowing them to simply "play." I think simplifying things alone buy us some improvement in the numbers. Your right though. That's what I believe happened but at the end of the day the stats show we had a historically awful defense and we will need young talents like Thomas with drive and potential to grow into impact players if we're going to take our next steps back to respectability.

Originally posted by genus49:
Exactly. DLine is a special beast as a unit. It's probably the one unit that gets subed out the most out of all the other ones. You may have some substitutions at DB but for the most part your starters will see the most snaps, QB, OL all pretty much play their starters all the time. LBers pretty much play starters though obviously get subed out in certain packages but the DL easily has the most guys coming and going whether it's linebackers coming down and rushing or the big run stoppers coming out on obvious passing downs or just guys getting breathers so in the 4th quarter they're not winded as hell.

People say drafting him is a luxury...how can anyone honestly say that given how bad we were on defense last year? Sure it was a group effort but in a 4-3 the DL is key and making assumptions that guys we had last year plus Earl Mitchell will suddenly hold down the fort and become a strong unit moving forward is the perfect way to keep sucking.

There are 0 red flags with Thomas. Only question is where he will play. I have yet to hear anyone give a good reason to be concerned with this kid.

Sure nothing is guaranteed but this kid checks off all the boxes on what makes successful NFL players. I liked him before but the article Phoenix posted about him seeking out a boxer for extra training to help his hands get faster and stronger just made me even that more excited about this kid. Showing that type of initiative and looking to grow as a player and not being complacent is a fantastic trait. It's what makes the good players into great ones.

Lots of guys are content to just be good athletes and think they can get by on that. Some go the extra mile and watch film, lift, listen to their coaches...then there's that extra group who do all that and more. It's not enough and they try to find every competitive edge to improve their game.

How do you say no to that type of player just because you're not sure where he'll play? Let the coaches figure that out. With those physical and mental attributes this kid will succeed wherever he plays on the line.

If people can't think of a legit reason to be concerned about this kid's NFL potential then don't overthink this just because we took Armstead and Buckner back to back.

There's red flags with him as with any prospect. He only has 1 year of sack production, he can struggle against larger guards due to his lack of size, 7 offsides penalties last year. I still want to go defense just address an area where we didn't spend the 6th pick last year. People want to compare this to the Rams but they drafted a nose, an end, and then Donald as the under tackle. All 3 play, all areas on line addressed. It's a huge concern to me that we'll have spent 3 picks on the line and done nothing to address the edge or nose. Still got to rely on Earl Mitchell, Aaron Lynch, Ahmad Brooks. In other words the d line is still awful.

Originally posted by tjd808185:
There's red flags with him as with any prospect. He only has 1 year of sack production, he can struggle against larger guards due to his lack of size, 7 offsides penalties last year. I still want to go defense just address an area where we didn't spend the 6th pick last year. People want to compare this to the Rams but they drafted a nose, an end, and then Donald as the under tackle. All 3 play, all areas on line addressed. It's a huge concern to me that we'll have spent 3 picks on the line and done nothing to address the edge or nose. Still got to rely on Earl Mitchell, Aaron Lynch, Ahmad Brooks. In other words the d line is still awful.

completely disagree...you keep on thinking we can't draft a pass rusher or a NT in this draft like we don't have 10 picks He's one of the safest picks in the draft, a blue chip prospect.

Show me all the film of him struggling against OG on the reg? 7 off sides penalties ...dude you're stretching it so hard.

Originally posted by mayo49:

when Thomas out plays AA, we can always trade him or keep him as a solid backup.

Fixed

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Lol so now he's a 3-tech...dude your all over the place. Yeah let's spend a first on a SS in the box SS come around every yr, see I can say that too.

You keep bringing up AA like he's done anything for us? You talk about how bad we need a NT yet we brought in a 300lb Mitchell to plug holes. You talk about needing to stop the run, yet Thomas was best in the nation at doing that lol.

A week ago you were in love with the kid, if your main issue is drafting DL three yrs in a row just say it...trying to say Thomas all of a sudden can't do this or that because you don't want to draft DE is silly.

Your exactly 100% right.

I love Thomas. I love his passion. His work ethic. I think he is and will be a leader. His motor on the field.

I do worry about 3 Dlinemen in a row and where he will fit bit I think he could scheme in.

I look at all the prospects and I think Adams is the only one that has no red flags. Plus he is an Alpha leader and will make our D step up a notch. He is a field general.

Depth is a good thing on the Dline though but honestly I don't think we can go wrong with Thomas or Adams. Both bring so much more to this team than results on the field that they are both worthy of #2