R Mason Thomas

NFL Draft Profile: R Mason Thomas

Position: EDGE / OLB | School: Oklahoma | Class: Senior

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 249 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Speed Rusher)

College Career Summary

R Mason Thomas leaves Oklahoma as one of the most explosive edge rushers in the Brent Venables era. A former standout track athlete from Florida, Thomas spent his first two seasons as a rotational spark plug before a massive breakout in 2024, where he earned Second-Team All-SEC honors with 9.0 sacks. In his 2025 senior campaign, he evolved into a designated "closer," often securing games with fourth-quarter takedowns. Despite a mid-November injury that sidelined him for the final regular-season stretch, he returned for the College Football Playoff, cementing his legacy as a high-effort, "twitchy" disruptor. He finished his career with 21.0 sacks, characterized by a relentless motor and elite short-area quickness.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 45 (10 in 2025)

• Total Tackles: 65 (26 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 25.5 (9.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 21.0 (6.5 in 2025)

• Forced Fumbles: 4 (2 in 2025)

• PFF High Grade: 94.3 (vs. Kent State, 2025)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
Illinois State	2 Tkl	B	Solid start; played limited snaps in blowout.
No. 18 Michigan	1 Tkl	B-	Struggled with Michigan’s heavy O-Line mass.
@ Temple	0 Stats	C+	Impact was in pressures, but clean box score.
Auburn	4 Tkl, 1 Safety	A+	Clutch. Recorded a game-sealing safety.
Kent State	6 Tkl, 1 Sk, 1 FF	A+	Season Best. Career-high 94.3 PFF Grade.
vs. No. 14 Texas	3 Tkl	B	High Mental Toughness; fought through double teams.
@ South Carolina	4 Tkl, 0.5 Sk	B+	Relentless Pursuit tracking down mobile QB.
No. 6 Ole Miss	2 Tkl	B-	Faced quick release; neutralized as a rusher.
@ No. 14 Tennessee	1 Tkl, 1 TD	A-	71-yard scoop-and-score; showed elite Speed.
@ No. 4 Alabama	DNP	N/A	Out due to lower-body injury.
No. 22 Missouri	DNP	N/A	Out due to lower-body injury.
LSU	DNP	N/A	Out due to lower-body injury.
CFP: No. 9 Alabama	3 Tkl	B+	Fought like hell in return; limited by injury.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite First Step: His Acceleration is his greatest weapon. He consistently threatens the outside shoulder of tackles, forcing them to over-set and opening up his inside counter.

• Flexibility and Bend: Thomas has natural "dip." He can flatten his arc to the quarterback while staying low to the ground, making him a difficult target for large OTs to punch.

• Turnover Creator: He has a "Star" quality for the big play. Whether it's a scoop-and-score or a game-ending safety, he produces when the lights are brightest.

• High Motor: His Stamina and effort are never in question. He is a "second effort" rusher who will chase a play 30 yards downfield.

Weaknesses

• Undersized Frame: At 6'2" and 249 lbs, he is well below the traditional NFL threshold for a base defensive end. He can be "washed out" in the run game by heavy power schemes.

• Physical Strength: While he is explosive, he lacks the "sand in his pants" to anchor against double teams. He must win with quickness or he gets moved.

• Injury History: Missed significant time in November 2025 and 2023. Teams will look closely at his medicals regarding his durability over a 17-game season.

Scheme Fit: Ideal 3-4 Outside Linebacker or a Designated Pass Rusher (DPR) in a 4-3.

NFL Comparison: Nik Bonitto / Arden Key

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 16/20 | Attributes: 17/20 | Athleticism: 19/20 | IQ: 17/20

Final Grade: 87/100

R Mason Thomas is a specialist in the truest sense. While he may never be a 30-snap-per-game run defender, his value on 3rd-and-long is immense. In a league that is constantly searching for "bendy" athletes who can heat up the pocket, Thomas is a luxury. His Speed and Agility are top-tier for this class. However, his lack of size and recent injury history suggest he is a rotational piece at the next level rather than a foundational cornerstone. He projects as a high-impact sub-package rusher who could lead a team in sacks while only playing 40% of the defensive snaps.

Draft Projection: 2nd - 3rd Round