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Detroit Lions 2017 NFL Draft Watchlist: Stanford at Notre Dame

By Erik Schlitt

November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 28, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Joe Schmidt (38) during the second half at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Soloman Thomas
Redshirt Sophomore
#90
Defensive End
6’2″, 275

Early Draft Projection = Top 100

Even though Soloman Thomas is just a redshirt sophomore, he’s proved he’s as NFL ready as any player on Stanford’s defense. Stanford likes to switch up its fronts, featuring both three and four-man defensive lineman. This plays into Thomas’s strength, which his versatility: he’s lined up at defensive end, five-technique, 3-technique, and nose tackle.

Thomas has an above-average burst and power to overwhelm an offensive lineman. But he can also beat them with finesse and leverage by attacking a blocker’s balance. While his game is still raw and developing, his ability to be disruptive has stood out this season.

PFF has called him a player to watch this week:

"Thomas has been one of the lone bright spots on Stanford’s defense and he has the No. 10 grade against the run among the nation’s interior defensive linemen while also getting after the quarterback with four sacks, six QB hits, and 14 hurries."

There is no doubt Thomas is a Top 100 player in the 2017, if he declares. But Stanford has a history of graduating players before they move on in their careers. It’s possible Thomas is ready to graduate early or willing to bypass graduation for now to pursue the NFL. But, the early smart money is on him returning to Palo Alto for his redshirt junior year.

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