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?