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Cases for and against top NFL draft prospects linked to 49ers at No. 2

We’re inside the two-week mark and no one has any idea which direction the 49ers are going to take with the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft.

San Francisco has met with a majority of the top prospects and hasn’t tipped its hand on which direction it’s leaning, outside of John Lynch saying he’s taking calls and “open for business” in trade talks for the second pick. Peter King in The MMQB this week noted the 49ers are among the “most eager” teams trying to trade back.

The only pick we feel confident projecting is the top-overall selection of Myles Garrett to the Browns. After Garrett’s name is called first, the draft drama will really begin.

San Francisco has needs up and down the roster and could justifiably tap a slew of prospects with that second pick. Here, we’ll make the cases for and against eight of the top prospects that are realistic for the 49ers.

Solomon Thomas, DL, Stanford

(Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The case for:

Thomas projects to be a disruptive interior defender for years to come. He’s got great burst off the snap, strength and athleticism for the position and could turn into a three-down player if he adds weight. He’s a good fit as a pass rusher over centers and guards while the NFL continues to evolve into a passing league that puts a premium on making quarterbacks uncomfortable.

The case against:

Thomas has been touted for his versatility, but his tape from Stanford shows he’s best along the interior and lacks the natural flexibility and agility on the outside to beat long-armed tackles. He’s undersized (273 pounds) to be considered an every-down interior lineman from the jump and might be a part-time player as a rookie. He plays the same position as Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, the 49ers’ first-round picks in the last two drafts.

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