2017 NFL Draft: Draft Grades for Each First-Round Selection

John Lynch is a first-time general manager and Kyle Shanahan is a first-time head coach. However, they pulled off a brilliant move in their first draft together. First, they fleeced the Bears in this one spot trade, picking up valuable mid-round draft capital both this year and next. Then, they sat back and took one of the most talented players in this draft class.

The 49ers have holes all over their roster. They legitimately could have taken a player at any position and it could have made sense in a needs based view. That being said, Solomon Thomas is an immediate impact player who will take the 49ers defense to the next level.

Thomas is a fantastic interior pass rusher who shows a great combination of size, speed and power. He has enough athleticism to rush from the edge but can really do some damage as a three-technique rusher at the next level.

For the 49ers, I could see Thomas playing primarily defensive end on early downs. He does not have the necessary bulk to defend against the run consistently on the inside, but Thomas will be an impact player against the run and in the pass rush on the outside. Then, on obvious passing downs, the 49ers could kick Thomas inside where he would wreak havoc as an inside rusher.

The 49ers undoubtedly got better on Thursday night and added more 2017 NFL Draft capital to work with later. Great first impression by Lynch and Shanahan.