Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Reportedly has Randy Gregory-esque issues. Failed multiple drug tests at Alabama to go along with the gun charge.

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

And the Saints brass will mess that up by drafting a FullBack from LSU..

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Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

FIFY

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

I believe we go DE & LB (not necessarily in that order) the first two rounds.

A lot of mock reports have LF going to Carolina @ pick #8.

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

If that happens then it's all the more reason to get a real thumper like Foster to keep him in check!

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Sorry to hear about those issues. I just watched some video of him and he looks incredible. I know it's a highlight package, but damn!

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Josh Katzenstein has some interesting selections. See link below:

New Orleans Saints mock drafts, version 1.0 | NOLA.com

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Imagine this young, powerful DE matched alongside Cam Jordan and rest of that D line ...

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Don't follow the PAC whatever much at all so I haven't really seen anything of this kid. What I struck me was he's really blue collar. Moves in there (really fast) lays down the wood and gets right back up and gets ready for the next play. No dancing, no celebrating except on a couple plays in the bowl game, just heads back ready for the next at bat. I could become a fan of this guy. What's his down side?

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

From NFL.com Draft profile

OVERVIEW
Thomas spent five years in Australia in his youth, but his return to the States allowed him to develop first into one of the top high school players in the country (top 25 recruit nationally) and then one of college's top defensive linemen. After a redshirt season, Thomas was named honorable mention All-Pac-12 in 2015 (39 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks). He had four tackles, two for loss, and a sack in the Cardinal's win over Iowa in the Rose Bowl. The redshirt sophomore kicked his game up a notch in 2016, receiving multiple All-American honors and winning the Morris Trophy as the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year. Thomas led the team with 62 tackles, 15 for loss, while sacking the quarterback eight times. Thomas' bowl performance against North Carolina opened a lot of eyes, as he was all over the field in the Cardinal's win in a way that isn't even reflected in an impressive stat line (seven tackles, two for loss, sack)

ANALYSIS

STRENGTHS Angular build, well-built frame. His mother, father and uncle were all collegiate athletes. Lined up at multiple positions. Has ravenous approach to the game. Gets out of the blocks quickly and attacks with early, skilled hands. Stays hungry and wants to feast. Powerful for his size. Shows ability to win with power or quickness. Outstanding athleticism. Fluid in his play. Transitions from move to move. Unpredictable pass rush. Attacks both the edges and can crank up a bull rush. Uses swipes, rips and arm-over to unlock his rush. Hands and feet work in unison. Has lightning-quick spin move he can access to unhinge from block and find new life in his rush. Violent disengagements from blocks leave no doubt blocker is whipped. Relentless approach combined with athleticism makes block recoveries extremely difficult in run or pass. Refuses extended engagements to blockers and works himself free. Will sniff out gaps and make himself skinny into the backfield. Very good pursuit speed and range as playmaker.

WEAKNESSES Considered a "tweeter" by scouts, who believe he could struggle to keep enough weight on his frame to play along interior. Length is below average as five-technique. Plays with inconsistent pad level. Needs to get bigger and stronger through his lower body. Tends to play taller as play rolls along and can get washed out of plays by strong down blocks. Hands are quick but need more consistent pop behind them. Overall play strength can be improved. "Big and strong" across from him causes some issues. Gets engulfed at times. Snap-count guesser with seven offsides penalties in 2016.

SOURCES TELL US “He’s damn good. I don’t think he gets drafted as early as you do because he’s not big enough for inside and he’s not as long as you like on the outside. You have to figure out where you will play him, but he won’t stop. He’s going to be really productive.” -- Director of scouting for AFC team

NFL COMPARISON Justin Smith

BOTTOM LINE Explosive defender who combines strength, quickness, and a muscle-car motor to drive him around the field making play after play. Has the hands and feet to be a quick-win specialist and the size to fit as a 4-3 or 3-4 defensive end who can reduce inside for pass-rush downs. He has all the athletic traits to become a high-impact player and possesses more than enough skill and talent to believe he will continue to elevate his game as a pro. Thomas has the potential to become the best defender from this draft class and a future all-pro.

Solomon Thomas Draft Profile

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

From Walter Football DE rankings

#4. Solomon Thomas*, DE/OLB, Stanford
Height: 6-3. Weight: 273.
Projected 40 Time: 4.80.
Projected Round (2017): 1-2.
2/18/17: WalterFootball.com was the first to report that Thomas intended to enter the 2017 NFL Draft. The junior enjoyed an excellent 2016 season as a big presence in Stanford's defense. On the year, he totaled 62 tackles with 15 for a loss, eight sacks and one forced fumble.

Thomas has good speed off the edge with strength and physicality. Off the field, he is getting high marks for character and work ethic. Thomas would probably fit best in a 3-4 defense as an outside linebacker. Sources say they are grading Thomas out a second-round pick for the 2017 NFL Draft.

https://walterfootball.com/draft2017DE.php

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

From NBCDFW.com

Solomon Thomas was born in Chicago and lived in Australia for several years, but he settled in North Texas before graduating high school. The 5-star recruit out of Coppell High School committed to Stanford after being named to the 2013 USA Today All-USA team as a senior.
Thomas started relatively slowly for the Cardinal, redshirtting in 2014 and totaling 39 tackles, 10.5 TFL and 3.5 sacks in 2015. He burst onto the national scene in 2016 with 62 tackles, 15 TFL and 8 sacks, earning All-America honors and the Morris Trophy — given to the Pac-12's best offensive or defensive lineman. He announced plans to enter the 2017 Draft after terrorizing North Carolina in the Sun Bowl.

Strengths
• Strength - Excellent bull rush, anchor
• Feet - Quick, exceptional burst
• Hands - Heavy, violent hand fighter
• Arms - Uses length to stay clean
• Speed - Closes quickly, effective in stunts
• Bend - Decent for size
• Pass Rush - Array of moves
• Instincts - Good snap anticipation, nose for ball
• Versatility - Can man be effective anywhere on D-line
• Motor - Relentless until whistle

Weaknesses
• Tweener - Stout for edge, slim for interior
• Balance - On the ground a bit much

Verdict: First Round

Thomas, much like Alabama's Jonathan Allen, is a disruptor that can line up anywhere, but is most effective inside. His burst is elite between the tackles, yet he also shows the strength to anchor against double teams — even at 275. If he can add 10-15 more pounds, he can be the next in the line of "undersized" defensive linemen in the mold of Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald.

Scouting the NFL Draft: Stanford DL Solomon Thomas | NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

I would rather roll dice on "Taco" Charlton than Solomon Thomas

Taco Charlton, EDGE, Michigan
Ht. 6'6", Wt. 272

Vidauntae "Taco" Charlton had 19 sacks as a high school senior in Ohio before committing to Michigan. He played sparingly in his first three seasons for the Wolverines, making only four starts. He totaled 9 sacks and 14 TFL in his time as a reserve.

Charlton was named the starter before his senior year and he responded with a season that earned him first-team all-conference honors. He finished the year with 13 TFL and 9.5 sacks, including at least one in each of his last four games.

Strengths

• Size - Ideal frame, build for position
• Length - Ideal, uses it well
• Burst - Surprising first step
• Strength - Converts speed to power well
• Flexibility - Good bend for size
• Hands - Quick, accurate
• Pass Rush - Spin, rip, swat/swing, etc.
• Run Defense - Good stack, shed

Weaknesses

• Inconsistent - Flashes, disappears
• Pad Level - Plays too upright
• Balance - Loses effectiveness when playing tall
• Inexperience - Looks like he's still figuring out position

Verdict: Second Round

Despite an all-conference season, Charlton still isn't the sum of his parts. He has the look of an All-Pro defensive end and has shown he can beat offensive linemen in virtual every way, but there were still a lot of plays where he was erased too easily. But the NFL Draft is all about traits, and Charlton's are elite.

Inexperience - Looks like he's still figuring out position

That sums him up. it is scary to think what he can do one he does learn the position and finishes off his pass rushing skills to complement his already stout run defense.

I still say they are all over rated due to the lack of top talent at the DE position. Much like OT

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

Re: What the mock drafts are saying about the Saints' pick at No. 11
 

And we do have someone now who can coach him.... fingers crossed?