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New York Giants Select O.J. Howard In NFL Mock Draft 1.0

By Kenneth Teape

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces the draft picks in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft at Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Select O.J. Howard In NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Mar 5, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive lineman Solomon Thomas participates in a workout drill during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

13. . Defensive Line. Stanford. Solomon Thomas. 7. player

The Chargers have a new coaching staff headed by Anthony Lynn so their schemes are changing. Defensively the Chargers are changing to a 4-3 defense, so another defensive end is needed. They get a steal here with the No.7 pick landing Thomas.

Thomas was very productive in his two seasons with Stanford. In 27 games he compiled 102 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He led Stanford in in all three categories in 2016. Thomas’ strength is against the run, which makes him a good bookend for Joey Bosa with the Chargers. His 12.0 run stop percentage ranked him sixth out of Power-5 defensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus loved Thomas, as he graded out as the best interior run stopped and sixth best interior pass rusher. He has the skill to fit into any scheme and it would not be surprising to see him go as high as No.2 in this year’s draft.

He has the versatility to play anywhere along the defensive line, giving the coaching staff flexibility when game planning. Thomas and Bosa could terrorize opposing offenses for years to come.

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