[OutsiderFan]

Thomas has the potential to be a first round pick, but his lack of size is an issue.  He's not big enough to play DT in a 4-3, and he's not explosive enough as an edge rusher in 4-3.  And he's not big enough to be a 3-4 DE in the NFL either.  If he can get up to about 290 and maintain the production he's showing this year, he will be a no doubt first round draft pick.

It's exceptionally rare for DL to come out for the draft as RS Sophs, so given all these factors, I'm imagining Thomas will return to Stanford in 2017.

[OutsiderFan]

Thomas has the potential to be a first round pick, but his lack of size is an issue.  He's not big enough to play DT in a 4-3, and he's not explosive enough as an edge rusher in 4-3.  And he's not big enough to be a 3-4 DE in the NFL either.  If he can get up to about 290 and maintain the production he's showing this year, he will be a no doubt first round draft pick.

It's exceptionally rare for DL to come out for the draft as RS Sophs, so given all these factors, I'm imagining Thomas will return to Stanford in 2017.