NFL analyst praises Kansas City Chiefs draft pick R Mason Thomas

The Kansas City Chiefs needed to add some speed off the edge. Defensive ends Ashton Gillotte and George Karlaftis offer value in run defense and using their power to push the pocket, but Steve Spagnuolo’s unit lacked a closer capable of producing game-altering sacks late in contests. Enter Oklahoma Sooners pass rushing star R Mason Thomas .

The Chiefs selected Thomas with the 40th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the last member of their top 100 selections in a defensive-heavy haul. Thomas saw limited playing time in 2025 due to a quad injury, but he served as a team captain and earned First Team All-SEC and FWAA Second Team All-American honors. Despite not being fully healthy, Thomas applied pressure on 14.

6% of his pass rush attempts in 2025. Some of his career highlights include beating LSU left tackle Will Campbell for a bone-rattling sack on Garrett Nussmeier in 2024, forcing a Jalen Milroe interception with a quarterback hit to end the game against Alabama in 2024 and ending this past year’s one-score game against Auburn with a late fourth quarter safety . Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas missed the first half against Auburn because of a Week 3 targeting call.

He didn't disappoint in his return to action in the second half. Thomas had two sacks, including a game-ending safety. #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2026 #2026NFLDraft pic.