Fansided

2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mitchell Trubisky to 49ers

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
9 of 32
Next
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 /
9

Solomon Thomas

DL, Stanford

At some point, the Cincinnati Bengals have to win a playoff game with Marvin Lewis as their head coach. Despite the fact Lewis has been one of the more consistent head coaches during the regular season during his time with the Bengals, the team is 0-7 with him at the helm in the playoffs. His window has to be closing, so the 2017 NFL Draft is definitely an important one for his future with the organization.

While the Bengals could go linebacker with this pick, as Reuben Foster is still available in this mock, we like them to go after a defensive lineman. Solomon Thomas of Stanford is an incredible specimen on the defensive front, and will eventually be the kind of pro that can disrupt the run, and passing game. He could be used in a 3-4 or 4-3 front, and his ability to get after the quarterback is going to play well at the next level.

The Bengals have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and in the AFC North, there is no reason they cannot compete for a playoff spot next season. Quarterback Andy Dalton was a Pro Bowl player in 2016, and with a healthy A.J. Green returning, they should be able to move the ball. Stopping the ball is going to be the big question, so adding a player of Thomas’ skill set has to be a priority this April.

Home/NFL Draft