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The Chiefs and GM Brett Veach reportedly nearly swung a big-time trade at the 2025 deadline.

The Kansas City Chiefs are banking on their 2026 NFL Draft class to make a big impact.

Several of their picks should see significant action immediately as rookies. The Chiefs went heavy on defense, as each of their first four selections came on that side of the ball.

Cornerbacks Mansoor Delane (first round) and Jadon Canady (fourth round) will help revitalize Kansas City’s secondary. Peter Woods (first round) will provide a boost in athleticism in the middle of the defensive line, and R Mason Thomas (second round) will give the Chiefs some much needed speed off the edge.

Kansas City Chiefs DE R Mason Thomas Named Among Best 2026 Draft Values

While naming his top values of the draft, ESPN analyst Field Yates identified the Chiefs’ selection of Thomas at No. 40 overall. He based his premise on both value and scheme fit, and believes Kansas City got a steal.

“I was bullish on Thomas, as I thought he was a top-25 prospect despite some concern with his arm length. He is an explosive pass rusher who can bend and turn the corner against offensive linemen; he also has powerful and active hands that show up against the run. The Chiefs needed juice off the edge and could sacrifice size (6-foot-2, 241 pounds) for speed in the case of Thomas.”

Thomas played his entire four-year collegiate career with the Sooners. He broke out during his junior season in 2024, recording 23 total tackles (12.5 for loss), nine sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. Thomas followed that up with 26 tackles (9.5 for loss), 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 2025 as a senior, earning First-Time All-SEC honors.

Although he is smaller than what the Chiefs typically utilize at defensive end, assistant general manager Mike Bradway believes Thomas’ traits more than make up for that.

“I think just the way he plays,” Bradway said about how Thomas impressed the Chiefs. “He’s tough. He plays the run. He doesn’t run around blocks. He’s not afraid to get in a 6-technique and play double-teams. He’s not a guy who’s just going to seek sacks. I think the character piece matters too. He is an all-out, relentless, high-motor kid. I know he’s not prototype, but the combination of his skill and character make you feel good about it.”

R Mason Thomas and George Karlaftis Should Complement Each Other Well

It remains to be seen if Thomas will earn a starting role right off the bat, but the goal is that he will sooner than later. Other than that both play with a high motor, Thomas and Karlaftis are different style players.

That isn’t a bad thing, however, The Chiefs will get the best of both worlds from Thomas’ speed and Karlaftis’ power. They should open things up for each other, ultimately making the pass rush more productive. With Woods, Chris Jones, and Khyiris Tonga in the middle, Kansas City is poised to improve upon its 25th-ranked sack total of 35 last season.