Thomas has just four sacks in his first two NFL seasons. He has dealt with a lot since being drafted. Thomas has had to deal with the lofty expectations during his rookie campaign and then the death of his sister after that year.
As for his play on the football field, Thomas is trying to get out of his own head. He's focused on having fun and his love for the game.
"I'm a natural overthinker," Thomas told reporters on Tuesday. "I've been my whole life. I'm a perfectionist. I want to be perfect in everything I do, and if I'm not, I overthink, and I get in my head. That's probably my biggest flaw, and one of my biggest weaknesses.
"That's what I worked on a lot. Just going. Just letting loose and just having fun. At the end of the day, no matter what I do, just go hard, put everything I can into it."
As for the loss of his sister, Thomas admits that 2018 was a challenging year for him. He had to deal with anger, depression, guilt, and grief.
"It was hard for me to get healthy, and it took me a while," he continued.
Thomas feels better, both physically and mentally, now. He has found balance, and is having fun again practicing with his teammates and going to team meetings.
The 49ers brought in Kris Kocurek to coach the defensive line. Thomas feels a lot more comfortable in the new scheme. He loves the system and feels it brings out his strengths as a defender.
"It's perfect," Thomas said of the new scheme. "Getting off, getting in the backfield, going, not thinking; just getting off and using my explosion. That is how I play."
Thomas was also asked about the trade rumors that circulated during Day 1 of the draft. He explained that he and general manager John Lynch had a conversation. Thomas was told the 49ers had no intention of trading him and are excited about his future with the team.
"[Lynch] has been amazing to my family and I," Thomas added. "So has the York family and everyone in this organization. Nothing but love for them and how they do business and how they run this organization."
The video below is courtesy of Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers mailbag: Is it Jordan Watkins time? Which SF safeties are the best duo? How will injuries impact next three games?
It's only been two games, and the San Francisco 49ers have already started dealing with injuries that could affect them on the field. But they're 2-0 and looking to stay unbeaten this week against the Arizona Cardinals. Divisional games are tricky, so I'm not expecting a... -
49ers vs. Dolphins PFF grades: Best and worst from the game, plus snap counts
The San Francisco 49ers improved to 2-0 after a 35-13 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Pro Football Focus released its grades and snap counts from the game, providing a closer look at which 49ers players stood out and who has more work to do. Highest-graded 49ers:... -
Kyle Shanahan shares where Brock Purdy has grown most as 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy has already accomplished quite a bit in his young NFL career. Since taking over as the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback late in the 2022 season, Purdy has consistently played at a high level. He's set 49ers passing records, made the Pro Bowl, and came... -
Kyle Shanahan defends 49ers' offensive line: "I think our line has played at a very high level these last few years"
The San Francisco 49ers' offensive line hasn't allowed a sack in the first two games of the season, making them the only team in the NFL to open the year without giving up one. And Kyle Shanahan isn't surprised. The 49ers head coach has long placed a premium on continuity...