With a depleted defensive line, the 49ers are expected to invest multiple draft picks into the position, potentially even using their No. 11 overall selection to bolster the interior following the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
Thomas could be an intriguing Day 3 pick to help fortify the defensive front.
"I see myself playing as a nose tackle, three-tech, or as a 4i," Thomas told Melo in a recent interview. "I think I can be versatile and play multiple positions actually. That's what I did at Tennessee. I moved around. I typically played the first two downs as a nose tackle, but I see myself being a good nose, three-tech, or 4i."
Over five seasons at Tennessee, the 6-foot-4, 316-pound Thomas totaled 116 tackles, including 18 for a loss, five sacks, 13 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He played in 13 games as a senior in 2024, starting 11, and served as a team captain.
"I feel like a team should draft Omari Thomas because I'm competitive. I play hard with a red-hot motor," Thomas added. "I'm always looking to grow and get better. I want to help my teammates grow as well. I don't bring any bad energy to the table."
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