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The New England Patriots are about to make a huge financial commitment for Stefon Diggs’ replacement at wide receiver, whoever that may be. As a result, their ability to pay big money for their most pressing roster need — edge rusher — will be hampered.
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They are expected to address this issue with a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Patriots, ranked No. 31 overall, will draft a number of projected first-round rushers. They took their first visit to Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas in the top 30 this draft cycle.
Thomas is an interesting prospect.
First, and arguably most interesting, the “R” in R Mason is not an abbreviation for anything. It is not an abbreviation or abbreviation. This young man’s name is R Mason.
Secondly, the AP All-American rusher is just 6-foot-2 and weighs just 242 pounds.
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That puts him in the bottom five among players at his position.
Although Thomas’ frame was “less than ideal,” he still had 15.5 sacks in his final two seasons at OU.
ESPN’s Matt Miller ranks Thomas as the 42nd best prospect in this draft.
“Thomas is an undersized speed rusher who has good speed out of the corner and can be a high-end stand-up rusher with Nick Bonito-like ability,” Miller wrote. “People will question his lack of size and length, but he is only 21 and has room to further develop the power play. Thomas’ calling card is his elite bend and speed – which will be valuable for teams running a 3-4 defense.”
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The Patriots’ top three sackers last season were all about the same height as Thomas, with Harold Landry III being significantly shorter. So, it’s clear that height doesn’t do much for head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense, whatever that means.