Scouting the NFL Draft: Stanford DL Solomon Thomas

Solomon Thomas, EDGE, Stanford
Ht. 6'2⅝", Wt. 275, Arm: 33", Hand: 9⅜", Bench: -
40 yd: -, 10 yd.: -, 3 Cone: -, Vertical: -, Broad: -
Games Watched: Kansas St., Arizona, North Carolina
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Solomon Thomas was born in Chicago and lived in Australia for several years, but he settled in North Texas before graduating high school. The 5-star recruit out of Coppell High School committed to Stanford after being named to the 2013 USA Today All-USA team as a senior.

Thomas started relatively slowly for the Cardinal, redshirtting in 2014 and totaling 39 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks in 2015. He burst onto the national scene in 2016 with 62 tackles, 15 TFL and 8 sacks, earning All-America honors and the Morris Trophy — given to the Pac-12's best offensive or defensive lineman. He announced plans to enter the 2017 Draft after terrorizing North Carolina in the Sun Bowl.

Strengths

• Strength - Excellent bull rush, anchor
• Feet - Quick, exceptional burst
• Hands - Heavy, violent hand fighter
• Arms - Uses length to stay clean
• Speed - Closes quickly, effective in stunts
• Bend - Decent for size
• Pass Rush - Array of moves
• Instincts - Good snap anticipation, nose for ball
• Versatility - Can man be effective anywhere on D-line
• Motor - Relentless until whistle

Weaknesses

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• Tweener - Stout for edge, slim for interior
• Balance - On the ground a bit much

Verdict: First Round

Thomas, much like Alabama's Jonathan Allen, is a disruptor that can line up anywhere, but is most effective inside. His burst is elite between the tackles, yet he also shows the strength to anchor against double teams — even at 275. If he can add 10-15 more pounds, he can be the next in the line of "undersized" defensive linemen in the mold of Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald.

The Cowboys need to address the lack of pressure their defensive line applies, and Thomas is exactly what they need. The Coppell product has the athletic traits and polish to upgrade pretty much any position along the team's defensive front from Day 1. The only problem is they might have to move up to get him.

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