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One of the perceived negatives about the San Francisco 49ers' newest defensive lineman, Solomon Thomas, has been his fit on the defense. While the bulk of his playing time at Stanford was in the interior, his ability to play on the edge, where he would be most valuable to the 49ers, is an unknown.
It is entirely likely that Thomas will play on the opposite side of the "Leo" spot, which is typically reserved for the team's best pass rusher, or inside at defensive tackle – or both. Thomas is confident that he is versatile enough to play anywhere the 49ers want to put him. The 49ers' top selection in the 2017 NFL Draft joined KNBR on Friday to discuss the importance of his versatility.
"I came in (to Stanford) thinking I was going to be an outside linebacker," Thomas said. "Played defensive end so I trained all my high school offseason to be an outside linebacker. Came in as a defensive end, played defensive end. Sophomore year, played nose guard and defensive tackle. Went back out to defensive end and kind of like a wide-9, wide-5 position sometimes as well.
"I've played up and down the line, whether it was a full season or a game. I've played everywhere on that line. That's what's huge to me, especially during this process again. I tried to make myself marketable to be an outside linebacker as well just to get teams to think I can do that as well. I can play anywhere on this d-line. I'm excited to play for these coaches and these players."
No Huddle Podcast: What the Playoffs Have Made Us Realize About the 49ers
By Site Staff
7 hrs
(Episode 403) — Al Sacco and Brian Renick dive into Brock Purdy's leverage after watching QBs who were paid struggle in the playoffs, what Brock Purdy's agent will say at the negotiating table this offseason, what his contract will likely look like, underachieving head...
49ers fans will love Deommodore Lenoir's reason for expecting to miss next year's Pro Bowl
By David Bonilla
Jan 6
Deommodore Lenoir was one of four San Francisco 49ers players selected as alternates for this year's Pro Bowl. However, the cornerback didn't shy away from expressing his frustration with the selection process. Taking to social media, he wrote, "Are we Watching Film or going...
49ers announce team awards; George Kittle wins Len Eshmont Award
By Site Staff
Jan 6
The San Francisco 49ers revealed their team award winners on Monday, following the conclusion of their 6-11 season. Tight end George Kittle received the prestigious Len Eshmont Award, his second time earning the honor.
Len Eshmont Award: TE George Kittle
The Len Eshmont Award...
How PFF graded Kyle Juszczyk, Nick Bosa, other 49ers players vs. Cardinals, plus snap counts
By David Bonilla
Jan 6
The San Francisco 49ers concluded their season with a 6-11 record following a 47-24 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18. Pro Football Focus has released its grades and snap counts from the game, shedding light on which 49ers players excelled and which struggled.
Below are...