From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas.
No. 32 R Mason Thomas/EDGE Oklahoma – 6022, 241 pounds (Senior)
Measurements
Player Ht/Wt Hand Size Arm Length Wingspan
R Mason Thomas 6022/241 8 7/8 31 5/8 78 1/8″
40-Yard Dash 10-Yard Dash Short Shuttle 3-Cone
4.67 1.63 N/A N/A
Broad Jump Vertical Bench Press
N/A N/A N/A
The Good
-Speed to power can be impressive
-Good bend
-Can win with multiple pass-rush moves
-Explosive off the snap
-Plays with good pad level
-Takes efficient route to quarterback
-Never gives up on play
-Incredible pursuit speed
The Bad
-Limited size and length
-Needs to use hands more effectively
-Struggles to set edge in run game
-Often fails to make first contact
-Durability
Stats
Career: 42 games, 65 tackles, 25.5 tackles for a loss, 17 sacks, three passes defensed, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries
2025
2025: 10 games, 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery
PFF: 85.3 overall grade in 2025, 1,307 career snaps
Injury History
-Missed three games in 2025 recovering from quad injury suffered during fumble return touchdown against Tennessee
-Suffered an ankle sprain in both ankles in 2023, one during preseason practice and one in Week 2, missed three games
Bio
-DOB: August 25, 2004 (21 years old)
-Four-star recruit out of Cardinal Gibbons HS in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
-Two-time state champion in high school
-Human relations major
-Originally committed to Iowa State before flipping to Oklahoma
-Ran track in HS, competing in 100, 200 and 400 meters
-R in his name doesn’t stand for anything. Mom kept family tradition with many family members having names that began with R
-Training at Proactive Sports Performance in California
-Bowled six days a week at times in college, has a 160 average. Owns two balls
-Has a YouTube channel documenting his pre-draft process
-Father, Harvey, played football at Florida
-Nicknamed “The Closer” by Oklahoma fans due to penchant for making plays late in games
Tape Breakdown
There’s no doubt after watching his tape that R Mason Thomas is one of the best pure pass-rushers in the class. He’s explosive off the ball and a terror for taller offensive linemen with his bend, but his speed-to-power is one of the most impressive traits of his game.
One of his most impressive games came against Auburn. Suspended for the first half due to a targeting penalty the previous week, he had two sacks, including a safety to clinch the win. His speed to power here to bring down Jackson Arnold was one of a few “wow” moments from watching his tape.
His sack earlier in the game came after he attacked the outside shoulder of the opposing offensive tackle and used his speed to get to Arnold’s blind side.
Thomas does have limitations as a run defender, but his pursuit speed against the run is wildly impressive. He can’t make the play in the hole here, but he doesn’t give up on the play and is able to chase the running back down all the way downfield.
His smaller stature makes it hard for him to set the edge against the run, which does limit his upside at the next level. He gets washed out here against Texas and allows a big gain off the edge.
Another example against Michigan of him failing to set the edge.
He showcases his bend here to chase Arch Manning out of the pocket and then finishes the play by chasing him down from behind.
His tackling isn’t bad, but it could be cleaned up. He missed 10 tackles the last two seasons and he allows a big gain here with a poor arm tackle that the running back breaks easily.
He naturally plays low due to his size, and even when he doesn’t get super low with his bend, he can still get home to the quarterback.
One other thing I like about Thomas’ game is that he has strong rush lanes. Whether he’s rushing from the edge or inside, he takes a clean path toward the quarterback. Here, he’s rushing inside and forces a throwaway.
Another one of the “wow” moments on his tape came on a 71-yard fumble return against Tennessee, where he fights a defender off him for nearly 20 yards to return the fumble for a touchdown. However, he suffered a quad injury on the play, and you can see him limping as he heads into the end zone.
Another example of his effort against the run. While he initially gets locked up here on an outside zone, he fights to find the ball carrier and bring him down for a loss.
Conclusion
It’s hard not to like what Thomas brings to the table as a pass-rusher. Even with his run defense limitations, he has the tools to be a productive player in the NFL. He’s not necessarily a player who should be off the field on run downs, given his effort level and insane pursuit speed. Where I do have real questions is medically. A soft-tissue injury with his quad this year and ankle sprains in both ankles are cause for concern and raise a few red flags about his durability at the next level.
When healthy, though, Thomas can be a game-wrecker. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in effort, which reminds me a lot of N ick Herbig, who I’ll go with for my NFL comp.
NFL Draft Projection: Early Day 2
Steelers Depot Draft Grade: 8.4MED (Long-time starter)
Grade Range: 7.9-8.7
Games Watched: vs Michigan (2025), at Tennessee (2025), at Texas (2025), vs Auburn (2025)
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