Chiefs scouting report: Oklahoma Sooners DE R Mason Thomas

Oklahoma #Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas would be a good addition for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs must find an electric playmaker to bolster their defensive line. The team’s current depth chart features some reliable starters and role players but lacks a sparkplug capable of generating immediate pressure off the edge. Several prospects in the 2025 NFL draft could fill that role.

Oklahoma Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas is an undersized edge rusher at 6’2″, 243 lbs., but that shouldn’t prevent Kansas City from taking a shot on the true junior. Denver Broncos star Nik Bonitto (6’3″, 240 lbs.) and Minnesota Vikings key free agent addition Andrew Van Ginkel (6’4″, 242 lbs.) are productive pass rushers with similar height and weight profiles.

Thomas explodes off the line of scrimmage with the burst to produce instantaneous wins. Even LSU left tackle Will Campbell couldn’t stick with Thomas around the corner. Thomas’ bend at the top of the rush arc isn’t quite elite but meets the league’s requirements. His bend and naturally low pad level make it hard for offensive tackles to contain him.

Thomas’ pass rush plan needs development. He primarily wins with chops, rips, swims, two-handed swipes, and by converting speed to power for bull rushes. Thomas also counters inside with speed to shoot the B-gap. His lack of counters and limited move set reflects his inexperience as a first-year starter.

Thomas’ size puts him at a disadvantage at the point of attack in the run game. He’s better in run defense as a pursuit-style player than a true edge-setting defensive end. Thomas’ motor and pursuit speed make him a threat to track down ball carriers all over the field.

Thomas is a raw prospect but possesses rare athleticism and explosiveness. He projects as a third-round selection who could bump into the second round if he blows away the testing portion of the pre-draft process.