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Washington Redskins 2017 Draft Profile: Solomon Thomas, EDGE

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2017 NFL prospects that could contribute to the Redskins

By Gabe Ward
The 102nd Rose Bowl Game - Iowa v Stanford Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Solomon Thomas, EDGE
School: Stanford | Conference: PAC-12
College Experience: Junior | Age: 21
Height / Weight: 6-3 / 273 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 1st Round Top Ten?
NFL Comparison: Michael Bennett

College Statistics

Player Overview

Solomon Thomas is the best 4-3 end prospect in the draft. The talented junior is drawing many comparisons to pro bowl defensive linemen past and present like J.J. Watt, Michael Bennett, and Justin Smith. Thomas’ strengths lie in his relentless and wild dog play and attitude. He is technically sound already displaying a variety of pass rush moves including a nice swim and rip. Combine that with his exceptional athleticism, quickness, power, and strength for his size and it’s one of the reasons Thomas was one of the best defensive linemen in the nation this year.

Strengths

  • Bonafide pass rusher. He has all the physical tools to make an impact in the NFL.
  • Exposes lineman with his quickness, strength, and technique. He can quickly go in between, around, or through offensive linemen to get into the backfield.
  • Some of the best fluidity, coordination, and ability to shed a block that I have seen though at times inconsistent.
  • Versatile he has rushed and has had success as a 7 tech, 5 tech, 3tech, and 0 tech while at Stanford.

Weaknesses

  • The elephant in the room: Thomas’ size. Some consider him a tweener and think he can only play as a DE in a 4-3. Others think he can maximize his versatility and play as a 3-4 DE and move inside on obvious passing downs.
  • At times plays with inconsistent pad level it makes him lose power, balance, and leverage.
  • Can get taken out of plays if he doesn't win with his initial power and quickness.

Let’s see his work:

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Before the Redskins had selected Greg Manusky as their new defensive coordinator I was holding out hope that the Skins would look in the direction of Pettine or Bradley both coaches who have used the 4-3 as their base defense. I think Solomon Thomas is a natural 4-3 defensive end and I figure that defensive line needy teams who run a 4-3 share that sentiment. While I’m in the camp that believes he can play in any scheme given some adjustments to personnel and packages I do have slight reservations about how his potential will be maximized here. There are so many ways a player with Thomas’ skill set can be used in either scheme but there will plenty of debate going forward on the best way.

Personally, I’m a fan of Thomas gaining 7 lbs and playing as a true 5 tech in a base 3-4 defense and moving him inside or even out as a 7 tech on obvious passing downs if he were drafted by the Redskins. Thomas’ stock has skyrocketed over the past few months, so much so that I see more and more pundits thinking he could be a top 10 pick. Thomas is worth the pick at 17 the question is will he last that long?

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