The 49ers created a large portion of their new core through the 2017 NFL draft. It was the first significant stamp Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch put on their new roster after inheriting a miserable 2-14 team the year prior.

The 10-man draft class showed plenty of promise and includes a high number of projected starters heading into their second seasons. With training camp starting later this month, let’s go through the expectations surrounding each 2017 draftee heading into the 2018 season.

Solomon Thomas, DL (Round 1, pick 3)

(Solomon Thomas #94 of the San Francisco 49ers – Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Thomas didn’t speed out the starting gate like many hoped. The former Stanford star entered the league as the No. 3 pick in the entire draft, which meant sky-high expectations like pass rushers drafted that early years prior. Ultimately, it wasn’t realistic to expect a Khalil Mack or Joey Bosa-like debut from Thomas. He was shuffled from defensive end to the interior throughout the season.

Thomas should benefit from a full offseason with the club. As a rookie, he couldn’t join the team until training camp because of the rule that prevented college players from practicing with their new teams until their spring classes were out of session. The 49ers will play Thomas as a weak-side defensive end in base downs and move him inside next to DeForest Buckner in throwing situations. He should see his sack total rise from 3.0 as a rookie.