FILE - In this Nov. 26, 2016, file photo, Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas (90) during an NCAA college football game against Rice, in Stanford, Calif. Thomas is a possible first round pick in the NFL Draft in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 27, 2017.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, FIle)
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2017 NFL Draft with the second overall pick, but that didn't last long.
After the Cleveland Browns selected Myles Garrett No. 1, the Chicago Bears moved up from No. 3 to No. 2 by trading the 67th and 11th overall picks in this year's draft and next year's third-rounderto the 49ers. San Francisco then selected defensive lineman Solomon Thomas out of Stanford with the third overall pick.
Thomas recorded 98 total tackles (including 63 solo), 12 sacks, one forced fumble and four fumble recoveries in twoseasons with the Cardinal. Although he likely won't tally double-digit sacks on a yearly basis for the 49ers, he should shore up a defense that finished last in the NFL in both scoring and total defense last season.
First-year 49ers general manager John Lynchtold reporters this offseason he expected San Francisco to be aggressive in free agency, as he wasn't sure the draft was the best way to find difference-makers for a team that finished 2-14 in 2016, butthings apparently changed on Thursday night. San Francisco was able to get the player it wanted while stockpiling picks to rebuild a roster in desperate need of help across the board.
For that, the Niners shouldthank the Bears.
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