Chiefs selected Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He will join a KC defense that struggled to pressure the passer for much of the 2025 season, thanks mostly to injuries. Thomas (6’2/241) is an undersized, but high-velocity, pass rusher who posted 13.0 havoc plays, 10.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks in just 10 games, flashing disruptive efficiency off the edge. He generated 23 pressures on 173 rushes (13.3% pressure rate) with 9 sacks created, reinforcing his ability to convert pressure into finishing production. Thomas’ 2.48 time-to-first-pressure and 15.8% 3rd-down pressure rate highlight his explosive get-off and situational pass-rush value. His 77.4% run-tackle share and 84.2% tackle rate show adequate finishing, though his 8 run stops reflect more of a penetration-based profile than a stout edge setter. Thomas can stress protections with speed-to-power flashes but lacks ideal length and anchor, leading to issues holding the point versus stronger tackles.
