SANTA CLARA, Calif. _ Stanford's Solomon Thomas kept alive two recent draft trends in becoming the 49ers' choice with Thursday's No. 3 overall pick.
This is third straight draft they chose a defensive linemen with their top pick, as he follows the Oregon tandem of Arik Armstead (2015) and DeForest Buckner (2016).
Also, this is the second straight year the 49ers used a first-round pick on a Stanford product, trading up last year to select guard Joshua Garnett at No. 28 overall.
Speaking of Stanford, new general manager John Lynch not only went there, too, but he returned to finish his degree in 2014 and even partnered with Thomas on a class project, according to Sports Illustrated.
The 49ers moved down a slot from No. 2 so the Chicago Bears could move up to draft quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. In return, the 49ers got the No. 3 pick, a third-round pick (No. 67), a fourth-round pick (No. 111) and a 2018 third-round pick.
"He's just an extraordinary young man and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do at the next level," Stanford coach David Shaw said while working as an NFL Network draft analyst. "This is a leader. He's exciting. He's fun to be around. But make no mistake he's a competitor."
Thomas, although versatile enough to work on the edge, figures to line up more on the interior as the 49ers try rebounding from their worst defensive showing in franchise history. Last year, the 49ers allowed the most points, touchdowns and rushing yards in history.
Shaw said Thomas likely will be used as a defensive end on first down and then move inside on passing downs.
"Don't think he hasn't heard all the 'tweener' talk the last couple months," Shaw said. "He's ready to go."
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