The Kansas City Chiefs' defense remained resilient last season despite the team's challenging 6-11 campaign. At the center of that unit is defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He has held his position since 2019. Since then, he has made it clear that he has a preferred profile for defensive linemen.

That perception changed when the Chiefs selected edge rusher R Mason Thomas with the 40th overall pick in the second round of the NFL Draft. Many questioned whether Thomas fit the typical mold of a Spagnuolo pass rusher. 

Speaking to the reporters after the OTAs on Wednesday, Spagnuolo pointed out that good players don’t come with all the packages, as per Jesse Newell of The Athletic.

“I’d like to think I just like good football players. They don’t all come in one molded size, " Spagnuolo said.

Spagnuolo prefers bigger edge rushers with long arms who can consistently hold up against the run. Thomas, however, stands out more as a speed rusher at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds. 

During four seasons at Oklahoma, Thomas recorded 65 tackles across 41 games. Thomas played four seasons of college football for the Oklahoma Sooners from 2022 through 2025.  He was nicknamed “The Closer” during his Oklahoma career.

The Chiefs appear more focused on Thomas' production and effort level than whether he fits a traditional mold in Spagnuolo's defense.

Chiefs Saw More Than Size in Thomas 

Thomas' college production made him one of the more intriguing pass-rushing prospects in the draft. He has also made a positive impression during offseason workouts.

According to Heavy.com, assistant general manager Bradway said the Chiefs saw a lot to like in Thomas' playing style, even if he isn't the usual type of defender associated with Spagnuolo.

“He is an all-out, relentless, high-motor kid,” Bradway said. “I know he’s not a prototype. It’s not typically what Spags is (looking for) … But I think the combination of his skill and the character make you feel good about it.”

Bradway and the Chiefs relied on Thomas as they frequently saw him rushing down in the fourth quarter.

“He’s a guy that can create turnovers,” Bradway said, “both with his speed and his motor.”

There is still work ahead, however, as Thomas continues learning the Chiefs' defensive system.

One of his teammates, Linebacker Drue Tranquill, also pointed out that during the OTAs, Thomas has that flexibility when it comes to the edge. 

“Dip and lean,” said Tranquill.

The Chiefs are of the opinion that they have found a disruptive playmaker.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Rudra Dubey