Oklahoma Sooners defensive star taken in first round of early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Oklahoma Sooners defensive star taken in first round of early 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The Oklahoma Sooners were shut out of the first round of the NFL Draft for the first time since 2022. They had a 22-year streak of consecutive drafts with three players selected, but it was snapped when only Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
It's a low NFL Draft moment for the Oklahoma Sooners, but it's more a pothole than a valley. The Sooners could be back to having big draft classes next year, thanks to the talent they've assembled through high school recruiting and the transfer portal. And if early mock drafts are any indication, they could have a first-round pick once again.
In his way-too-early NFL mock draft over at CBS Sports, Josh Edwards had defensive end R Mason Thomas going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 16 overall.
Thomas is not bringing prototypical size to the position, but there will not be many prospects more entertaining. He is in constant motion from the time he takes the field. He produced nine sacks and one forced fumble last season. - Edwards, CBS Sports
Thomas would join former Sooners Baker Mayfield and Sterling Shepard in Tampa and would be another first round defender to the Bucs, following in the footsteps of Gerald McCoy, who went No. 3 overall in 2010.
At 6-foot-2, he doesn't have great height but he does a great job using his speed and agility to keep longer offensive tackles from getting their hands on him. Thomas displays elite athleticism and a variety of pass-rush moves off the edge. His ability to rush from both sides of the line of scrimmage, combined with how he plays the run, will allow him to make an impact for a defense at the NFL level.
He's going to test off the charts, and teams will love him in interviews. If he can have another big season from a pass rush perspective, Thomas will solidify himself as a top-50 pick in the draft.
Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow John on X @john9williams.
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