The long offseason wait is over, and training camp is finally here. The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their worst season in over a decade, and now fans are waiting to see if they can bounce back this season. The team has made several interesting moves, and there are plenty of players to keep an eye on, either in person at practice in St. Joseph or as you scan practice reports online, but none have the potential to upgrade the Chiefs' roster more than rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas.
That's not to say that Thomas is the most talented player the Chiefs added this offseason. Kenneth Walker is a proven commodity who has already significantly upgraded the Chiefs' running back position. So that isn't a potential upgrade to watch—it already happened. Then there are fellow rookies like Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods. Their potential/talent ceiling is possibly even higher than that of Thomas, but even if they hit, they won't be adding something completely new to the Chiefs' defense.
The pass-rush element Kansas City has been missing
The Chiefs have had talented corners. The Chiefs have an elite defensive tackle in Chris Jones. What they don't have—and haven't had in several years—is a speed-rushing defensive end who can consistently threaten and win off the edge. If Thomas can add that element to their defense as a rookie, it will be one of the most significant additions they have made in the last several seasons.
Chris Jones has been an elite pass-rushing defensive tackle, but as he gets up there in age (by NFL standards), the Chiefs have to have other options. Peter Woods can help take some of that load on the interior, but a good pass rush has to have some threats on the outside as well. George Karlaftis has been a very good all-around defensive end. He plays a ton of snaps, is good against the run, and gets pressure through effort, motor, and power. He's a valuable player, but he doesn't win with speed. That is where Thomas could potentially add a new dynamic to the Chiefs' defense.
Thomas is undersized by defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's usual standards for Kansas City's defense. However, it appears that the Chiefs recognize that they need more speed and explosion off the edge in true passing situations. That's why they picked Thomas with their early second-round pick (40th overall). Thomas put up 22 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks over his final two seasons in college. That's not elite college production, but it is very good.
The hope is that Thomas has the pass-rush upside of another former Oklahoma Sooner, Nik Bonitto. Bonitto is a similar size and had similar production at Oklahoma, putting up 25.5 tackles for loss and 15 sacks over his final two seasons. After being taken in the late second round by the Denver Broncos in 2022, he has developed into a big-time pass-rush threat in the NFL, putting up 13.5 and 14 sacks the past two seasons.
It would be unfair to expect that level of production from Thomas as a rookie. Bonitto had only 1.5 sacks in his rookie year. However, if Thomas can simply flash NFL-caliber pass-rush ability on the outside, it will add a dynamic to the Chiefs' pass rush that they have been sorely missing for several years. That is what Chiefs fans should be watching for in training camp.
What Chiefs fans should watch in practice
Does Thomas look faster on the outside than all the other defensive ends? Can he show the bend around the edge that he showed in college during practice? Do the Chiefs' top tackles look like they can easily overpower him, or does he have enough strength to hold the point of attack? While that last question isn't directly related to him winning off the edge as a speed rusher, it could have a huge impact on how much Spagnuolo trusts him to stay on the field so he can put those pass-rush skills to use.
It will be particularly interesting to see Thomas and Josh Simmons go head-to-head on passing downs. Simmons is by far Kansas City's most athletic tackle. If Thomas gives Simmons issues off the edge, it could be a great sign that he could contribute (at least on passing downs) right away. On the other hand, if Kansas City's second- and third-string tackles can keep up with Thomas on the outside, it could be a sign that he is going to need more time to develop his pass-rush moves before becoming truly effective.
There are a ton of interesting players to watch at Chiefs training camp as things get underway, but there may not be another player who could add something specific and new to the Chiefs' roster the way R Mason Thomas could. That is why he is not only the key defensive end to watch in camp, but possibly the most intriguing player to watch at any position.
Check out other key players to watch in camp at the links below.
- Quarterback: Garrett Nussmeier
- Running Back: Emmett Johnson
- Wide Receiver: Xavier Worthy
- Offensive Line: The Tackles
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