R Mason Thomas — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

The Chiefs need an edge rusher to pair with George Karlaftis, who tied his career low with 6.0 sacks last season. Over his last two seasons at Oklahoma, Thomas posted 15.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and four forced fumbles.

Thomas is my type of football player as an explosive, powerful and relentless pass rusher. Plus, he has heavy hands and a nasty attitude when defending the run (21 run stops over the past two seasons). Thomas dealt with an injury for part of the 2025 season, but he still finished with 6.5 sacks and 23 pressures in nine games.

The Cowboys must keep hammering away at their pass rush to find some semblance of what they had with Micah Parsons. Dallas traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary to boost this same initiative.

The Cowboys have to get some twitchy help on the edge. Thomas can do that. He isn't big at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, but he would fit the new defense. This would seem high for him, but watch his tape.

With hopes still alive for an AJ Brown trade this summer, the Pats' priority with their first pick is likely edge rusher over wide receiver. They signed Dre'Mont Jones in free agency, which gives them a big edge rusher with the versatility to slide inside if needed. In a lot of ways, Thomas is the opposite. He's slighter (241 pounds), and some teams might view him as too small, but he is a true speed rusher who would immediately boost the Patriots' pass rush. — Chad Graff