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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Deshaun Watson heads to Broadway

By Brad Weiss

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) walks on the field during the first quarter in the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates with head coach David Shaw (L) after defeating the North Carolina Tar Heels 25-23 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Thomas was named MVP of the game. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Solomon Thomas

DE, Stanford

After the conclusion of the Stanford Cardinal season, big-time pass rusher Solomon Thomas decided that it was time to take his talents to the NFL. He is going to be a great player at the next level, as he has a rare blend of size and speed. Not only can he plug the gaps in the run game, but his 4.58 40-yard speed enables him to get after the quarterback with ease, which should play perfectly in the NFL game.

Most of the talk around the Stanford program over the past few years has been about star running back Christian McCaffrey who, like Thomas, should be selected in the first round. Some scouts have compared him to Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks, due to his ability to run around, or through offensive lineman. The Cowboys hit the lotto in the 2016 NFL Draft, and if Thomas falls to them at No. 31, they have to scoop him up.

Thomas has all the tools to play at the next level, and his ability to be disruptive no matter when he plays on the defensive line is going to give offensive coordinators fits. I like the fact that he never lets the big moment get to him, and he plays the game with such passion. Thomas has made a point to get in the best shape of his life heading into the 2017 NFL Draft, and it should pay big dividends for him on draft day.

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