2026 NFL Draft buzz continues to build for standout Oklahoma Sooners defender who could be Oklahoma's next first-round pick

The Oklahoma Sooners haven't produced many first-round draft picks on defense in recent history, with just four since 2000 and none since Kenneth Murray in 2020. While the Sooners have produced standout defenders in the NFL, they haven't had the same success producing elite defensive talents as they have on offense over the years.

However, the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft has the perfect opportunity for the Sooners to begin changing that trend and add another elite defender to their draft history. 

Pass rusher R Mason Thomas has continued to build buzz throughout the offseason because of his dominant film in 2024, and he has the attention of draft analysts across the space.

SB Nation's JP Acosta recently released his early 2026 NFL Draft ranking of the best edge rushers in the upcoming draft, and Thomas debuted at fifth with a "late first-early second" round grade. 

"R Mason Thomas has one thing in his bag that not many others have in this class: blinding speed off the edge. His ability to get vertical then flatten around the corner against tackles is unfair, and he showcases a nice ghost move that leaves a lot of guys frozen on the edge. He’s a lighter prospect at 6’2 and 249 pounds, and doesn’t have the power profile yet to overwhelm guys in the run game, but he gives effort there. Going to be very intrigued by how he produces this season."

Thomas has an unbelievable athletic profile to his game, and his ability to bend and turn the corner is second-to-none in this class.