R Mason

● Compact, muscular frame, with defined upper-body bulk, bubble and calves 346 Back to table of contents -- 350 of 629 -- ● Twitchy get-off quickness to immediately threaten the corner ● Uses natural leverage and body bend to get underneath blockers, wrap the corner and flatten to the QB ● Varies pass-rush tempo to keep blockers guessing ● Forklifts blockers with speed-to-power drive leverage (see his sack-safety on 2025 Auburn tape) ● Instinctive, determined hands to unglue and work around blocks ● Active run defender; better point-of-attack strength than most 250-pounders ● Flashes a second gear in pursuit to chase down ball carrier backside or string out runs ● Never quits working to the ball; effort leads to production ● Admittedly “not a talker” but beloved by his teammates; staff said he was “coachable” and a “role model” in the program

● Near maxed out physically, with below-average height and frame ● Lack of length shows on the edge — needs to work harder to stay outside and hold contain ● Has no chance against tackle-tight end double teams ● Eagerness to attack takes him out of rush lanes, leaving vulnerable spots for ball carrier to attack ● Gets a little itchy and prone to jumping offside (three flags in 2025) ● Average body length lowers margin of error as a tackler (17.4 percent missed tackle rate in 2025) ● Can flat drop but doesn’t show playmaking awareness in that role ● Missed three games as a true freshman because of hamstring injury (Sept. 2022); missed four games as a sophomore because of high-ankle sprains to both ankles (Sept. 2023); pulled quad on 71-yard fumble return against Tennessee (Nov. 2025) and missed next three games

A two-year starter at Oklahoma, Thomas lined up on the edge (left and right, stand-up and hand on the ground) in head coach Brent Venables’ hybrid defensive front. He announced himself as a future early-round draft pick with his 2024 performance versus LSU left tackle Will Campbell and put numerous splash plays on both his junior and senior tapes (averaged 2.7 pressures per game over the past two seasons). As a pass rusher, Thomas is an explosive athlete who can win high-side with bend or treat blockers like practice sleds with leveraged speed to power. He plays with grit, but his lack of length shows in the run game, which leads to missed tackles and contain issues. His athletic range and determined hands are assets for him, though. Overall, Thomas is an undersized edge defender who combines first-step quickness with violent play strength and closing burst and never quits working to the football. His ability to vary his rush tempo leads to disruption and will help him find a meaningful role in the NFL.