There is a good chance that Oklahoma edge R Mason Thomas will be Priscos 20 Prospects He’s Higher On for the 2026 NFL Draft. So why is he the player on Priscos Better-Than Team for the 2026 NFL Draft? This team is made up of players who are rated higher here than by other people who evaluate them.
The reason is simple: R Mason Thomas has the talent to be in the 15 and maybe even higher.
R Mason Thomas has the kind of speed and power that NFL teams look for in edge rushers. He may not be the player at 6-foot-2 and 242 pounds but he makes up for it with his speed, strength and hard work. He is not like a defensive end who plays every down. Instead he is better as a pass who stands up. His style is a little like Denvers Nik Bonitto, who also used to play for Oklahoma. Even though R Mason Thomas may not be as quick as Nik Bonitto he is better at defending against the run. Is stronger.
When we look at pass rushers it is important to see how they do against the players. R Mason Thomas did a job against some of the best offensive linemen like LSUs Will Campbell in 2024. He also did well against Alabamas Kadyn Proctor, who is thought to be a first-round pick.. He held his own against Texas left tackle Trevor Goosby, who some people think will be picked in the top 10 next year. These games against players show that R Mason Thomas can compete with the best players in the NFL.
Priscos 20 Prospects He’s Higher On for the 2026 NFL Draft
Even though R Mason Thomas is not getting much attention as some other edge defenders NFL teams are clearly interested in him. Scouts like his speed the fact that he always gives his effort and his ability to play with intensity. The main concern is his size. It has not stopped him from making big plays on the field.
Over the two years R Mason Thomas has made 22 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks, which shows that he can disrupt the other teams offense. He has been hurt a times including missing three games last season with a hamstring injury.. Even when he was hurt he made a big play. In a game against Tennessee he picked up a fumble. Ran it back 71 yards for a touchdown, which shows that he is a good athlete.. He did all this before getting hurt at the end of the play.
That kind of effort and determination is important.
R Mason Thomas is from South Florida. He has the toughness and physicality that players from that area are known for. The way he plays shows that he is a player.
Looking ahead it would not be surprising if R Mason Thomas becomes one of the edge defenders from this draft class maybe even the best. This is a statement since he is currently thought to be a second-round pick.. This is exactly why he is the main player on Priscos Better-Than Team for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Being named captain of this group puts him with great players, like Grady Jarrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David. While not all of these players have become stars R Mason Thomas seems like he is ready to make an impact.
As the college season went on people started talking about Memphis tackle Travis Burke. And for good reason. After he transferred from FIU, Travis Burke showed that he can be a player in the NFL. He is really tall 6-foot-9 and he weighs 330 pounds, which is a great combination of size and speed.
Travis Burke – Offensive Tackle
Travis Burke plays with a very aggressive style, especially when his team is running the ball. He uses his physical approach to create movement at the line of scrimmage and help open running lanes. In pass protection, he also shows solid ability to keep the quarterback protected, using his size and technique to handle defenders. If he continues to improve his skills and refine his technique, he has the potential to develop into a long-term starter at right tackle.
Emmett Johnson – Running Back (Nebraska)
Emmett Johnson stands out because of his strong awareness on the field. He is patient with the ball, reads defensive alignments well, and knows how to find running lanes. At 5-foot-10 and 204 pounds, he has a solid build that allows him to absorb contact and break tackles. Although some questioned his speed, his 4.49-second 40-yard dash at his pro day showed he has good acceleration. He also contributes as a receiver out of the backfield, which increases his value to NFL teams.
Garrett DiGiorgio – Interior Offensive Lineman (UCLA)
Garrett DiGiorgio is a highly versatile offensive lineman who has played in 49 career games across multiple positions. This experience makes him valuable because he can adapt to different roles along the offensive line. Most recently, he played primarily at guard, where he showed strong ability in both run blocking and pass protection. At 6-foot-6½ and 320 pounds, he has ideal NFL size and the flexibility to step into multiple positions if needed.
Treydan Stukes – Cornerback (Arizona)
Treydan Stukes is a versatile defensive back who can line up outside, in the slot, or even at safety. This kind of flexibility is highly valued in modern defensive schemes. He plays with physicality and confidence, though he can sometimes be overly aggressive when tackling, which leads to mistakes. Even so, his athletic ability and playmaking instincts make him an interesting developmental prospect.
Caden Curry – Edge Defender (Ohio State)
Caden Curry produced consistent results despite playing alongside several high-profile teammates at Ohio State. He recorded 11 sacks and showed strong effort throughout the season. While he is not the most physically imposing edge player, he compensates with strength, motor, and versatility. His ability to contribute in different roles makes him a dependable defensive option.
Nate Boerkircher – Tight End (Texas A&M)
Nate Boerkircher developed from a walk-on into a reliable tight end through steady improvement. After transferring to Texas A&M, he showed value as both a blocker and a receiver. While his receiving numbers were not high, he is intelligent, understands defensive coverages, and knows how to find soft spots in zone defenses. His football IQ and blocking ability make him a useful all-around tight end.
Jadarian Price – Running Back (Notre Dame)
Jadarian Price had to share playing time with another talented running back, but he still managed to showcase his ability. At 6 feet and 210 pounds, he combines strength and speed effectively. He is also a strong kickoff returner, adding special teams value. His physical running style and versatility make him a dependable offensive contributor.
Zachariah Branch – Wide Receiver (Georgia)
Zachariah Branch is best known for his elite speed and ability to create explosive plays. While his yards-per-catch numbers were lower than expected, this may be due to how he was used in the offense rather than his ability. He still has significant upside as a deep threat, especially if used in a system that allows him to stretch the field more often…Read more
Eli Heidenreich – Offensive Weapon (Navy)
Eli Heidenreich is a versatile player who can contribute both as a runner and receiver. He is especially effective as a pass catcher, showing good hands and the ability to gain yards after the catch. His versatility allows him to be used in multiple roles, making him a valuable offensive piece for his team.
Zakee Wheatley – Safety (Penn State)
Zakee Wheatley is a physical and reliable safety who contributes in both run support and pass defense. He is a strong tackler and has the ability to make plays across the field. His balanced skill set makes him a dependable presence in the secondary.
Antonio Williams – Wide Receiver (Clemson)
Antonio Williams is a skilled route runner who consistently creates separation from defenders. He is also reliable when catching the football and has developed strong game experience over his career. His toughness and understanding of the game make him a dependable receiver.
Jalen McMurray – Cornerback (Tennessee)
Jalen McMurray is a tough and competitive cornerback who excels in physical play. He is strong in tackling and capable in coverage situations. His aggressive style and willingness to compete make him a valuable defensive back.
Tanner Koziol – Tight End (Houston)
Tanner Koziol is primarily a receiving tight end who creates mismatches in the passing game. He is a reliable target for quarterbacks and can generate big plays with the ball in his hands. However, his blocking ability is less developed, which limits his all-around role.
D’Angelo Ponds – Cornerback (Indiana)
D’Angelo Ponds is a smaller cornerback who plays with confidence and intensity. Despite his size, he competes well against larger receivers and uses his speed effectively. His toughness and competitiveness help him stay effective on the field.
Jaishawn Barham – Linebacker/Edge (Michigan)
Jaishawn Barham is a versatile defender who can play multiple roles, including linebacker and edge rusher. His physical style of play allows him to impact both the run and pass game. This flexibility makes him a valuable defensive asset.
Kaleb Proctor – Defensive Lineman (Southeastern Louisiana)
Kaleb Proctor relies on quickness and technique rather than size or strength alone. While he may not overpower opponents consistently, he can still disrupt plays using his speed off the line. His ability to create pressure makes him a useful defensive presence.
Athan Kaliakmanis – Quarterback (Rutgers)
Athan Kaliakmanis is a quarterback with solid arm strength and good decision-making skills. While he may not project as a long-term starter, he has the tools needed to develop into a reliable backup quarterback at the professional level.
Cashius Howell – Edge Rusher (Texas A&M)
Cashius Howell plays with high energy and strength off the edge. He is not viewed as a top-tier prospect, but his effort and physical style allow him to make impactful plays. He projects as a rotational contributor who can provide depth and pressure.
Red Murdock – Linebacker (Buffalo)
Red Murdock is a physical linebacker known for his tackling ability and aggressive play style. He is strong at forcing turnovers and making plays around the ball. However, he can struggle in pass coverage, which limits his role. Even so, his toughness makes him valuable, especially on special teams…Read more
