R Mason Thomas is an undersized edge rusher who plays bigger than his size. Coming off a breakout season in 2024, the explosive edge followed it up with another stellar season in 2025 in which he made 1st Team All-SEC and now enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a player teams have their eye on.
Standing at 6-foot-2, 249 pounds, Mason Thomas showcased his speed at the NFL Combine with a 40-yard dash time of 4.67 seconds. With his explosive first step and burst around and at times through blockers, the former Oklahoma star has shown he can rack up the sacks with 15.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
While his size and injury history could be pause for concern amongst NFL teams, if he is drafted in the right situation where he doesn’t have too much pressure put on him, he can mature into a starter, especially with the high motor he plays the game with.
R Mason Thomas is a “difference maker”
R Mason Thomas has seen his draft stock drop a bit, but his skillset and playmaking ability defensively is undeniable. In his latest top 50 prospect rankings, NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah still have Thomas in his top 50 highlighting his physicality and the instinctive energy he brings to the edge rush position.
Jeremiah writes:
“Thomas is an instinctive and physical edge defender. He lacks ideal height/length/bulk for the position, but he is a difference-maker. As a pass rusher, he covers a lot of ground with his first three steps and has multiple ways to win. A widen/bull rush and swipe-and-rip are some of his favorite moves. He draws a lot of attention from extra blockers and still manages to disrupt the passer. Against the run, his lack of length wasn’t an issue in the games I studied. He’s firm at the point of attack and refuses to stay blocked.”
Although Jeremiah doesn’t see Thomas as the prototype edge rusher, his energy and determination are reasons the Oklahoma product will go either Day 1 or Day 2 in the draft. He will be a producer for any team who drafts him, a possible starter Year 1 depending on that team.
3 NFL teams in position to land R Mason Thomas
New England Patriots
The Patriots missed out on the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes, so it’s on to plan B for Mike Vrabel and company regarding pass rush help. K’Lavon Chaisson is entering free agency and while he is someone they would like to have back, adding another player who can create pressure without the team needing to rely on the blitz is an area the team will be targeting for improvement. With where they are selecting, a player like Mason Thomas fits that mold in his ability to collapse the pocket with this speed and power. He is also a player who shows up when the game is on the line.
- Other first round options for the Patriots: Akheem Mesidor (EDGE), TJ Parker (EDGE), Omar Cooper Jr (WR)
Seattle Seahawks
The Super Bowl Champions are a team that have some key contributors heading into free agency like Boye Mafe. If he signs elsewhere, the Seahawks will be looking for someone to fill that role. While Mason Thomas isn’t as big as Mafe, the energy and way he converts speed to power enroute to the quarterback would make up for some of the production in the pass rush loss by Mafe. He also has great pursuit speed in tracking down running backs. This is a trait that will also help run down mobile quarterbacks as well.
- Other first round options for the Seahawks: Aveion Terrell (CB), Jadarian Price (RB), Akheem Mesidor (EDGE)
Philadephia Eagles
When it comes to value late in the first round, the Philadelphia Eagles are a team that seem to find the right player to meet their needs. With five edge rushers entering free agency, the Eagles won’t be able to sign them all, so they will look towards the draft for depth and a possible starter. R. Mason Thomas is a player who brings speed, youth and that explosive power off the edge. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles double dip at the position in this draft.
- Other first round options for the Eagles: TJ Parker (EDGE), Denzel Boston (WR), KC Concepcion (WR)