Connected to first-round edge rushers, the Chiefs instead allocated their top draft resource toward a cornerback by trading up for Mansoor Delane. The team then chose Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods at No. 29 overall. Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. served as a Chiefs Delane backup plan, but after the LSU cornerback became ticketed for Missouri, the Chiefs tabled their defensive end need until the second round.
Kansas City drafted Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas at No. 40. The Chiefs have signed Thomas to his rookie deal, according to Pro Football Talk’s Myles Simmons. Thomas’ draft slot will ensure this contract comes fully guaranteed.
Tyler Shough‘s camp successfully negotiated for a fully guaranteed deal in the No. 40 draft slot last year, and the bar has moved into the late 40s this offseason. Falcons cornerback Avieon Terrell received a fully guaranteed deal at No. 48, which will effectively require all second-rounders chosen before him to land such terms. Thomas will be tied to a $12.2MM contract that runs through the 2029 season.
The Chiefs went 6-8 in Patrick Mahomes‘ starts before losing their final three games after the superstar quarterback’s season-ending knee injury. That allowed them rare draft real estate. Kansas City entered a draft with a top-10 pick for the first time since it held the No. 1 overall choice in 2013, and the 6-11 record allowed for favorable second-round status as well. Enter Thomas, who will be expected to grow into a starter opposite George Karlaftis.
Kansas City looks to have missed on Felix Anudike-Uzomah, drafted 32nd overall in 2023. He has been a nonfactor since going off the board in Round 1 three years ago, and the Chiefs predictably declined his fifth-year option this month. Anudike-Uzomah remains on K.C.’s roster, but the team moved on from D-ends Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna this offseason. The Chiefs drafted Ashton Gillotte in Round 3 last year, but Thomas’ pedigree points to a higher ceiling.
Thomas had a quiet first two seasons at Oklahoma, where he combined for 1.5 sacks in 19 games from 2022-23. The edge rusher’s production increased dramatically during his junior season, in which he totaled 12.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 13 contests. Thomas added another two FFs last year, though his TFLs (9.5) and sacks (6.5) understandably dipped during a 10-game season. Thomas checked in 44th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board. He visited the Browns, Buccaneers, Dolphins, Patriots and Seahawks during the pre-draft process.
As an aside, the “R” in the second-rounder’s name does not stand for anything; it comes from a family tradition. While it will make for an interesting addition to the Chiefs’ roster, the team will hope the former Big 12 recruit-turned-SEC standout will be known for more than his unusually structured name soon.