The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their second practice of training camp, and we have a notable depth chart adjustment. Rookie Solomon Thomas joined the team for practice for the first time since being selected back in April. He was moved right into the second team defense at defensive end.
Thomas could not participate in the offseason workout program due to Stanford’s academic calendar. He missed the first day of camp while finalizing his contract. He signed the contract Friday morning at the start of the team’s first practice. After spending the remainder of Friday’s practice doing conditioning work and observing practice, he joined the full workouts on Saturday.
Tank Carradine has been handling first team strong side defensive end work, while Ronald Blair had been the second team defensive end. Thomas replaced Blair on the second team in his first practice, with Blair moving to the third team. Carradine likely will get more first team snaps for now, but the team clearly is ready to get their No. 3 overall pick in the mix of things quickly.
Once Thomas does eventually end up in the first team role, Tank Carradine and Ronald Blair could find themselves competing for one roster spot. Blair offers a bit more versatility inside and outside, but Tank has been ahead of him on the depth chart. The next couple weeks leading up to the first preseason will be critical for both of them in this potential competition for a roster spot.