# BREAKING: Chiefs Select Oklahoma EDGE R Mason Thomas 40th Overall

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kc-sports-network-kansas-city-chiefs-podcasts-1367282/breaking-chiefs-select-oklahoma-edge-r-mason-thomas-40th-overall
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kc-sports-network-kansas-city-chiefs-podcasts-1367282/breaking-chiefs-select-oklahoma-edge-r-mason-thomas-40th-overall.md
Podcast: [KC Sports Network: Kansas City Chiefs Podcasts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kc-sports-network-kansas-city-chiefs-podcasts-1367282)
Published: 2026-04-25T00:08:36+00:00
Episode link: http://www.kcsn.com
Audio file: https://pdrl.fm/8d7cde/mgln.ai/e/256/pscrb.fm/rss/p/clrtpod.com/m/bluewire.simplecastaudio.com/8bf45406-115f-47da-8dc8-dcc5713f4a83/episodes/bb8ef1e5-c8d8-444b-93e2-a4dcc80d8942/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=8bf45406-115f-47da-8dc8-dcc5713f4a83&awEpisodeId=bb8ef1e5-c8d8-444b-93e2-a4dcc80d8942&feed=BJf5DYgc
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Duration seconds: 1137

## Resource

The Kansas City Chiefs deviate from their traditional defensive archetype by selecting Oklahoma edge rusher Mason Thomas with the 40th overall pick. Analysts debate whether this shift toward a speed-based pass rush will successfully complement Steve Spagnolo's defensive scheme.

## Highlights
- Main idea: The Chiefs are intentionally diversifying their defensive line by adding a speed-oriented pass rusher rather than a traditional power rusher
- Failure mode: Concerns exist regarding Thomas's lack of elite athletic testing, specifically his 7.4 three-cone drill and underwhelming vertical jump
- Practical takeaway: This pick represents a heavy investment in the trenches, prioritizing quickness to the quarterback to alleviate pressure on the secondary
- Main idea: The selection marks a departure from the physical, heavy-set defensive profiles typically favored by the Chiefs' coaching staff
- Analysis: While the player's size is unconventional for the scheme, his ability to convert speed to power provides a new dimension to the pass rush

## Topics

Kansas City Chiefs, NFL Draft, Mason Thomas, Oklahoma Football, Pass Rush, Steve Spagnolo, Defensive Line, NFL Scouting

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Pre-Pick Board Analysis: Evaluating potential targets including Zion Young, Gabe Yakis, and wide receiver Chris Bell.
- 4:00 — Evaluating Mason Thomas's Profile: A look at Thomas's physical development and his ability to play larger than his 240-pound frame.
- 6:00 — A Shift in Defensive Strategy: Discussing how the Chiefs are deviating from their established defensive line archetype.
- 9:00 — Comparing Archetypes: Analyzing the similarities and differences between Mason Thomas and previous Chiefs defensive targets like David Bailey.
- 11:00 — Athletic Testing and Injury Concerns: Reviewing Thomas's recent injury history and his underwhelming performance in the athletic testing process.
- 17:00 — Draft Grade and Final Verdict: The panel debates and assigns a final grade to the selection of Mason Thomas at pick 40.

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## Transcript

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