Seahawks target a replacement for a player who left in free agency in a new 2026 NFL Mock Draft, and he could be a better fit

Seahawks select Oklahoma Sooners edge rusher R Mason Thomas in a new mock draft

“The Seahawks lost Boye Mafe in free agency, and DeMarcus Lawrence turns 34 a few days after the draft, so Mike Macdonald’s defense needs a pass rusher for both the short- and long-term.

Enter R Mason Thomas, who’s one of the draft’s twitchiest and fiercest pass rushers. This would be the first time the Seahawks picked an EDGE in the first round under Macdonald, so there’s not much precedent to go off of when talking about body style and whatnot.

What is known, however, is Mason Thomas’ fit in this defense. He’d immediately give the pass a rush a boost as a specialist and can certainly turn into an early-down defender as time progresses. It would be so much fun watching Macdonald help Mason Thomas wreak havoc against opposing offenses.” – Evan Winter, New A to Z Sports mock draft

Would R Mason Thomas be a good replacement for Boye Mafe?

Any time you can add the best player on an SEC defense, it’s typically a good idea. That was certainly the case for the Oklahoma Sooner defense with edge rusher R Mason Thomas. Thomas was a four-year contributor for the Sooners, appearing in 42 games during his four-year college career.

He really found himself as a player during his final two years at Oklahoma, though. He recorded 15.5 sacks and 22 tackles for loss over the last two years. To show how impressive that is, he only has 17 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss in his career.

Mafe was a talented speed rusher who the Seahawks used in their pass-rush-by-committee approach this past year. An approach that fueled one of the NFL’s top defensive lines all year.

In his lone season as a full-time starter in (his second NFL year), Mafe posted a career-high nine sacks. He has started only 15 games since that season, including just four in 2025.

Despite just two sacks in 2025, Mafe is a key roster piece they’ll need to replace. Thomas can fill the rotational speed-rusher role Mafe held. He also offers more upside in a larger role, though. He is a stronger run defender than Mafe ever was at Minnesota or has been in the NFL.

Some teams may avoid Thomas due to his frame (under 6’3″), but he seems like a strong fit for Seattle. They can let him put some more weight on his small 241lb frame. He can be a true three-down player, something Mafe never showed in Seattle.

Comparing Boye Mafe and R Mason Thomas as draft prospects

• Boye Mafe: 6’4″, 265 lbs, 4.53 40-yard dash, 15 career sacks, 19.5 career tackles for loss
• R Mason Thomas: 6’2.5″, 241 lbs, 4.67 40-yard dash, 17 career sacks, 25.5 career tackles for loss