2017 NFL Draft: 5 prospects who stood out in Week 4
By Tyler Brooke
After another wild week of college football games, these five players caught the attention of NFL scouts everywhere.
Although the NFL draft is still months away, there are a few guys in the college football world that are starting to make some big names for themselves through the first four weeks of the season.
Guys like Myles Garrett and Leonard Fournette have already solidified themselves as top-tier draft prospects, but these are five potential future NFL players who caught my eye in Week 4.
As a redshirt sophomore, Stanford defensive lineman Solomon Thomas could very well stay with the Cardinal after the 2016 season. However, through the first few games of the season, Thomas keeps popping up on film.
Let’s ignore the scoop and score on the final play of Saturday’s game against UCLA. Aside from that play, Thomas still made some great plays to help Stanford’s defense, plugging up rushing lanes and getting to the ball carrier.
Through three games this year, Thomas has already racked up 3.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and three quarterback hurries. That’s a great start to the season, especially after he stepped up as a redshirt freshman last year with 10.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
At 6’2” and 275 pounds, Thomas isn’t as physically gifted of a defensive lineman as someone like Malik McDowell or Jonathan Allen. However, Thomas is a versatile player that can move around the line and make big plays wherever he goes.
Thomas might stay another season or two at Stanford, but if he declares for the NFL draft, don’t be surprised to see him get picked up in the second or third round.