Chiefs

Chiefs stay defensive with 2nd-round NFL Draft pick. Meet OU edge R Mason Thomas

Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways

AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.

Read our AI Policy.


  • Kansas City selected Oklahoma edge R Mason Thomas with the No. 40 overall pick in 2026.
  • Thomas, a 6-2¼, 241-pound edge, was a first-team All-SEC pick after 6.5 sacks.
  • The Chiefs drafted defensive players with their first 3 picks for first time since 2018.

The Chiefs’ defensive trend continued on the second day of the 2026 NFL Draft.

With their second-round pick, their third of this year’s player-selection process at No. 40 overall, Kansas City went with defensive end R Mason Thomas of Oklahoma.

Thomas, a 6-2 1/4, 241 pound edge, was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection last year after collecting 6 1/2 sacks and 9 1/2 tackles for loss in 10 games.

He missed three of the Sooners’ games in 2025 after breaking a leg on a scoop-and-score against Florida.

In Thursday night’s first round of the draft, the Chiefs selected LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane with the No. 6 overall pick. KC had a second first-round pick and took Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29.

This marks the first time since the 2018 NFL Draft — Brett Veach’s first as general manager — that the Chiefs drafted defensive players with their first three picks.

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
Sports Pass is your ticket to Kansas City sports
#ReadLocal

Get in-depth, sideline coverage of Kansas City area sports - only $1 a month

VIEW OFFER