2017 NFL Draft grades: San Francisco 49ers
How did the San Francisco 49ers fare in the 2017 NFL Draft?
The NFL draft has come and gone and now it is time for review. Of course, it will be easier to look back in a few years and really find out how these players fit and transitioned to their new roles. But as a whole you can understand team philosophies and processes which deserve to be examined upon first glance. With that said, here is the San Francisco 49ers final grade.
Solomon Thomas
Defensive End, Stanford
Thomas is a great fit in the 49ers new 4-3 defense. New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was in Seattle when the team traded for Michael Bennett and Thomas is almost exactly like Bennett.
Saleh should know how to use him and the anticipation is that is how they will use him. DeForest Buckner is a good compliment because he may have been best playing inside on early downs and outside on the edge to rush the passer. Thomas is likely best playing outside on early downs and sliding inside on third downs. The two can fit together but the question is whether Arik Armstead can or not.
Reuben Foster
Linebacker, Alabama
The 49ers fleeced the Bears to move down from three to two and used their now excess of resources to get back into the first round this year. They add Reuben Foster who has the potential to be one of the best players in this draft. Foster has some questions attached to him. He got kicked out of the combine for a fight, he had a diluted drug test and he has shoulder issues to begin with. If he can stay on the field the 49ers are huge winners. If not we know why he fell to 31.