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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

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 /
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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

DL, Stanford

The San Francisco 49ers will have a completely new look in 2017, as they plucked Kyle Shanahan from the Atlanta Falcons to be their new head coach. Joining Shanahan will be John Lynch, whom the team selected to be the general manager, inking the former defensive standout. Both men received seven-year contract to rebuild this franchise, and both appear to be up to the task based on the moves they made this offseason.

While the team definitely needs a long-term answer at quarterback, Brian Hoyer will do for now. The 49ers signed the veteran to a two-year deal, which means they can either grab a quarterback early in round two, or wait until the QB-heavy 2018 NFL Draft class. With the No. 2 overall pick, look for the team to draft on the defensive side of the ball, and Solomon Thomas is a name that should be heard very early on Thursday night.

Thomas, like Lynch, was a standout at Stanford University, and that could work in his favor on draft night. He is the kind of player who can play in any scheme defensively, possessing the speed to get the edge, and the power to clog the middle of the line. The 49ers brought in Earl Mitchell to help bolster the defensive line already this offseason, and while they do need help in the secondary, Thomas should be the pick at No. 2.

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