The Kansas City Chiefs had three picks in the top-40 selections of the 2026 NFL Draft, and star tight end Travis Kelce is enthused about the impact that one of those players will have, that being Oklahoma Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas.
“The guy is a freak of nature in terms of athleticism and explosiveness. I can’t wait to see how this guy gets after the quarterback,” Kelce said about Thomas on the latest edition of his podcast, “New Heights.” “It’s been kind of something that the Chiefs have been looking at to get better at, and that’s getting after the QB and really putting quarterbacks under duress. Obviously, we’ve always had Chris Jones there, and George [Karlaftis] is a workhorse.
“I believe that is going to be a game-changer on the edge place. I do know he had a hamstring final 12 months on an unbelievable fumble restoration. So we’ll see him when he will get within the constructing. I am certain Spags [Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] may have a enjoyable time placing him to work, as nicely.”
Kansas Metropolis chosen Thomas, who spent his complete four-year profession with the Sooners (2022-25), with the No. 40 decide after taking LSU Tigers cornerback Mansoor Delane (commerce as much as decide No. 6) and Clemson Tigers defensive deal with Peter Woods (decide No. 29) within the first spherical.
Concerning Thomas, the defensive finish totaled two compelled fumbles in every of the final two years, whereas racking up 9 sacks in 2024 and 6.5 sacks in 2025; Thomas missed three video games final season (2025) on account of a quad harm, which he suffered on a scoop-and-score in opposition to the Tennessee Volunteers on Nov. 1 (the play that Kelce referenced). The defensive lineman returned for the College Football Playoff, however Oklahoma was eradicated by the Alabama Crimson Tide within the first spherical.
In what was a 6-11 season, Kansas Metropolis’s protection managed to carry its personal in 2025. The Chiefs completed sixth within the NFL in opponent factors (19.3 per recreation), ninth in opponent speeding yards (105.7 per recreation), tenth in opponent whole yards (301.5 per recreation) and twelfth in opponent passing yards (195.8 per recreation). That mentioned, Kansas Metropolis completed in a five-way tie for twenty second in sacks (35.0).
As for Kelce, the four-time All-Professional posted his lowest reception whole (76) since 2015 final season, however he nonetheless led the Chiefs in receptions (76) and receiving yards (851) and was tied for the workforce lead in receiving scores (5). Kelce is returning for his 14th season.
