Report: Colts Have Met with Stanford Defensive End Solomon Thomas

According to Fox 59/CBS 4’s Mike Chappell, the Indianapolis Colts have met with Stanford defensive end Solomon Thomas this weekend at the NFL Combine:

The 6’3″, 273 pound defensive end is coming off a junior season in which he recorded 62 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, a forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries in 13 games–earning the Morris Trophy (Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year), All-Pac 12 1st-Team, Pac 12 All-Academic Second Team, and AP All-American Third Team honors among other accolades.

The former Cardinal standout finished his 2-year collegiate career with 101 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and 4 fumble recoveries.

He’s currently rated as NFL Network Draft Guru Mike Mayock’s 4th best ‘edge rusher’, and here is his NFL.com Draft Profile:

"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 COMPARISONJustin SmithBOTTOM LINEExplosive 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."

Still only 20 years old, Thomas is highly regarded as one of the best defensive line prospects in this year’s NFL Draft:

Thomas did himself a lot of favors at the NFL Combine this weekend by posting impressive measurables such as a 4.69 forty time, 30 bench press reps, and a 126.0 inch broad jump.

Of course, the Colts could use an infusion of youth and talent all over their defense, meaning Thomas could be a smart selection for Indianapolis with the 15th overall pick–especially if he turns out to be the next San Francisco 49ers Justin Smith or Seattle Seahawks Michael Bennett respectively.

That being said, with promising young Henry Anderson, emerging 2nd-year pro Hassan Ridgeway, and veteran Kendall Langford, the Colts defensive end position is arguably the one position on defense where the Colts don’t necessarily have a huge glaring hole.

It’s worth noting that some playing time could open up though as veteran Art Jones could very well be an imminent salary cap casualty, while young defensive lineman Zach Kerr is set to become a restricted free agent.

The Colts have found success with Stanford defensive lineman in the past, as Cardinal alumni Anderson and David Parry have become full-time starters for the franchise in recent seasons.

Next: Report: Florida Safety Marcus Maye Has Met with Colts at NFL Combine

As it stands, it’s starting to look like Thomas may be long gone by the time the Colts select near the middle of the first round though.

Meaning that if he’s there, Indianapolis would be hard-pressed not to select him given that he’d arguably be the best player available, rushes the passer, and also is an impact player on defense as a whole.

Here are the following prospects who the Colts have reportedly met so far at the NFL Combine:

DE/OLB Tarell Basham, Ohio

DL Davon Godchaux, LSU

S Marcus Maye, Florida 

ILB Raekwon McMillan, Ohio State

DE Solomon Thomas, Stanford