Chiefs rookie pass rusher R Mason Thomas is already trying to prove everyone wrong, and he hasn't even played a snap yet
Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oklahoma defensive lineman R Mason Thomas (DL60) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Kansas City Chiefs took R Mason Thomas in the second round after every team passed on him for his size and arm length. R Mason Thomas could be the draft pick from the 2026 NFL Draft that surprises this fan base the most.
Sure, he was a second-round pick, so it's not like he will be a player who comes out of nowhere. However, his work ethic will elevate him beyond what most expect of him. He's already showing some of that, and he's not even played a game with the Chiefs yet.
In fact, he just finished his first weekend of rookie minicamp, and he already got right back to work, perfecting his craft and honing in on his pass rush moves. Thomas' mentality and work ethic are qualities you just don't often see in players in his position. #Chiefs rookie R Mason Thomas in the lab 👀 Via IG @thomss_r pic.
twitter. com/txbKPnbsed — SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) May 9, 2026 The Chiefs needed some help on the edge with getting to the passer. This draft pick is a little against what Steve Spagnuolo usually likes.
Thomas is a bit smaller than the usual build KC goes for. However, his speed-to-power, bend, and hand usage while rushing the passer are pretty good, too. Thomas is twitchy, uses natural leverage to get underneath blockers, and is very instinctive.