R Mason Thomas is catching the eyes of NFL analysts, and none more so than ESPN's Field Yates. Yates sees a bright future for the former Oklahoma defensive end, projecting him to land with the Dallas Cowboys as the 20th overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. This is a bold prediction, considering most mock drafts have Thomas hovering around the late first or early second round.
Yates is clearly impressed with Thomas' skills on the field, describing him as an "explosive, powerful, and relentless pass rusher." His ability to disrupt plays is evident in his stats-21 run stops over the past two seasons, despite dealing with an injury in 2025. Even with limited play, Thomas managed to rack up 6.5 sacks and 23 pressures in just nine games.
For the Cowboys, adding Thomas could be a strategic move to bolster their pass rush, aiming to recapture the defensive prowess they had with Micah Parsons. Dallas has already made moves in this direction by trading for edge rusher Rashan Gary, and Thomas could be the next piece in their defensive puzzle.
The potential for Thomas to join the Cowboys is particularly exciting for Oklahoma fans, given the team's proximity to Norman and the presence of fellow former Sooners like CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Guyton on the roster. This connection would undoubtedly thrill the Sooner Nation.
Interestingly, CBS Sports' Pete Prisco also sees Thomas as a fit for the Cowboys, even predicting him to go as high as the 12th pick. Such consensus among top analysts suggests genuine interest from Dallas.
Yates brings a unique perspective to his analysis, drawing from his experience in NFL front offices with the Patriots and Chiefs. His insights carry weight, making his predictions all the more intriguing.
During his time with the Sooners, Thomas played in 42 games, showcasing his talent despite setbacks like a hamstring injury last season. He finished strong, with impressive stats including 6.5 sacks, 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles. Thomas' potential makes him a player to watch as draft day approaches.