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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Can we trust the Cleveland Browns?

By John Buhler

Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Nevada Wolf Pack at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2016; Hollywood, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive end Solomon Thomas poses during Pac-12 media day at Hollywood & Highland. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Solomon Thomas

Defensive End, Stanford Cardinal

The San Francisco 49ers will have one of the most difficult selections to make in the draft. They hold the No. 2 overall pick and could go in a number of different ways with that selection. Ideally, San Francisco needs a quarterback, but the 49ers may have the roster most bereft of talent in football.

There is a lot of boom/bust potential with this guy because of his age, but redshirt sophomore defensive end Solomon Thomas from the Stanford Cardinal offers something the 49ers just don’t have defensively. This would be a high-upside pick and would be a popular one in the Bay Area since Thomas played in the Pac-12 in nearby Palo Alto.

Would it be all that shocking for new 49ers general manager John Lynch to grab a fellow alumnus of the Stanford football program at No. 2? No, it would actually be a pragmatic move to draft the local kid. If Thomas can’t tap into his full potential as a franchise pass rusher, at least Lynch didn’t let the best pro prospect from the Bay Area leave the region. It’s a defensible pick through and through.

Let’s not forget that new 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan already has a disciple in place at starting quarterback in Brian Hoyer. He will give the 49ers at least 10 games of solid ball during the season in their trying rebuild. Frankly, San Francisco is better served to take the fourth or fifth best quarterback prospect at No. 34 in the top of the second round. Thomas has a chance to make an impact in the 49ers pass rush from day one.

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