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2017 NFL Mock Draft: First-round projections after Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-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 /

player. 31. . DE. Stanford. Solomon Thomas. 23

The need for a defensive end might be diminishing by the week as Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon are both playing exceptional football. In fact, each has recorded at least seven sacks apiece this season and that could mean this pick is more about depth than anything.

Still, the Giants aren’t guaranteed to bring back Pierre-Paul after paying him $10 million on a one-year deal in 2016. That means that his replacement could be chosen in the first round, namely pick No. 23 overall.

Solomon Thomas could be that guy. The former high school standout who was at the top of plenty of recruiting boards has developed into a pretty solid collegiate end. After breaking out as a sophomore, Thomas has put together an even better stat line as a junior for the Cardinal.

As most know, Stanford’s defense has been ranked near the top of college football for the past few years and Thomas has carried on the tradition of toughness. He’s not the biggest guy on the field, standing just 6-foot-3, but he can beat you with his strength.

On the year, Thomas has recorded 54 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He would be a welcomed addition to this Giants defense.

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