The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Apr. 24 the selection of former Oklahoma edge-rusher R Mason Thomas with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Thomas, who played college football at Oklahoma, is recognized for his production over the last two seasons. He recorded a total of 22 tackles-for-loss, 15.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles across his final 23 collegiate games, earning All-SEC honors in both seasons.
In addition to traditional statistics, Thomas received high marks from analysts tracking advanced metrics. Among edge-rushers with at least 190 pass-rush snaps, his pass-rush grade ranked fifteenth nationally according to Pro Football Focus. His pass-rush win rate was also notable, ranking ninth among all Football Bowl Subdivision edge rushers with at least 150 pass-rush snaps.
Scouting reports describe Thomas as an explosive athlete who consistently generated pressure against top-tier competition such as South Carolina, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn and Michigan. Dane Brugler of The Athletic said: “As a pass rusher, Thomas is an explosive athlete who can win high-side with bend or treat blockers like practice sleds with leveraged speed to power.” Thomas averaged nearly three pressures per game over his last two years and previously excelled as a high school track athlete.
Thomas emphasized effort and energy as central to his approach on the field: “It’s all about being relentless.” According to information from The Athletic’s Dane Brugler included by the team: “Thomas went by ‘Mason’ most of his life until his junior year of high school when he embraced his given name, R Mason…the ‘R’ isn’t an abbreviation for anything; there is no period after it.”
A native of Pompano Beach, Florida and graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale—where he led his team to a state title—Thomas remained loyal to Oklahoma throughout college despite transfer opportunities elsewhere. He now joins Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group in Kansas City.
