R Mason Thomas hype masks troubling Chiefs draft concerns

"The Chiefs just won't draft an edge like that" is a familiar refrain among K.C. fans every offseason. There is a narrative around the Chiefs' defensive preferences and Steve Spagnuolo's history that says they are averse to drafting smaller, speed-based edge rushers. Some of that is simply due to their defensive system, and some of it might be more myth than fact.

The perception around the Chiefs' edge rushers is that they want players who turn like battleships and are about 6-9 and 295 lbs. When in reality, that's not what their draft history shows. Half of the edge rushers they've taken are 6-3 or shorter, and their average weight is 256 lbs. That doesn't exactly match the description of a bulky edge rusher.

Are the Chiefs poised to change their profile at edge rusher? Would the Chiefs take a 6-2, 249 lb. edge rusher who wins with speed? What about run defense? Is R. Mason Thomas the type of player who can change the narrative about the Chiefs' edge rushers? Let's dig into these narratives.

NFL Draft Profile: R. Mason Thomas, Edge, Oklahoma

Age: 21 (on draft day)

Height: 6-2 (listed)

Weight: 249 LBS.

Tape Exposure: Auburn (2025), Michigan (2025), Tennessee (2025)

Shades of: Dee Ford

R. Mason Thomas's background

Thomas attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he also ran track, including the 100, 200, and 400m dash. Rated as a 4-star prospect by 247Sports, he committed to Oklahoma in 2022. He played in 42 games over his four-year career for the Sooners, recording 65 tackles, 25.5 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Thomas was named a team captain in 2025 for the Sooners defense, which helped lead the team to the College Football Playoff.

R. Mason Thomas's strengths

Burst and Twitch

Explosive first step, high-level athlete with great acceleration and speed. His change-of-direction skills and suddenness make him a refined pass rusher with several avenues to get to the quarterback. He has some of the better bend in the class as well. His lower center of gravity can help him gain leverage against taller tackles.

Pass Rush Motor

Despite being a quick winner, Thomas is relentless in chasing down the passer. There are several reps of him fighting through a chip and a tackle to eventually impact or sack the quarterback. He chases down plays from behind and has a motor that doesn't stop.

Pass Rush Profile

Displays a nice pass rush plan, including a spin move and a ghost move. His 90.4 pass rush grade ranks sixth in the draft class. He also has a knack for big plays. His scoop-and-score against Tennessee and safety against Auburn effectively ended those games for an Oklahoma offense that struggled to do so.

R. Mason Thomas's weaknesses

Lack of Length

As highlighted in the intro, the concern with his profile isn't really height or weight. It's more about a lack of length in his arms. He appears to have shorter arms on tape, which can limit his ability to create separation from blockers.

Run Defense

While there are clips of Thomas making an impact against the run, Oklahoma protected him on early downs. Many of his wins come against tight ends rather than tackles. There are also clips of him getting handled by tight ends. If he's not able to win off the snap, the run defense rep is essentially over.

Injury History

Missed six games in 2025, including their playoff game against Alabama. Has a history of high ankle sprains in both ankles.

Could R. Mason Thomas change the Chiefs' preferences?

Is this the bendy edge rusher the Chiefs should change their profile for? In our opinion, it shouldn't be. Not because of the standard "doesn't play the run" mantra, but more because of his overall profile. He's not an overly dominant pass rusher, and he has some length and health concerns. Combine that with the standard concerns about run defense, and this just isn't the player to change their history over. If the Chiefs are going to change, they might as well do it for a more dominant pass rusher such as David Bailey.

R. Mason Thomas is an explosive, high-motor edge rusher with burst, bend, and speed-to-power ability. Undersized with short arms, inconsistent hand use, and limited lower-body strength. Can be blocked by tight ends in the run game and carries an injury flag.

Round Grade: Green Chip (Second-Round Grade)