Chiefs usually have a 'type' at defensive end. Why they changed course with pick 40

AFC EastBillsDolphinsJetsPatriotsAFC NorthBengalsBrownsRavensSteelersAFC SouthColtsJaguarsTexansTitansAFC WestBroncosChargersChiefsRaidersNFC EastCommandersCowboysEaglesGiantsNFC NorthBearsLionsPackersVikingsNFC SouthBuccaneersFalconsPanthersSaintsNFC West49ersCardinalsRamsSeahawksScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyNFL OddsNFL PicksNFL DraftPodcastsScoop City NewsletterNFL Draft UpdatesGradesPicks TrackerBest AvailableThe BeastTop 300 Rankings2026 NFL Draft The Chiefs don't typically invest in smaller pass rushers, but they made an exception on Friday for Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas. Kevin Jairaj / Imagn Images Share articleKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has a “type” at defensive end. And it’s not exactly a secret. Over time, Spagnuolo has gravitated toward bigger, more powerful players who can hold up in the run game. That history is why the Chiefs’ 40th selection Friday — Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas — was a bit surprising at first blush. Thomas, at 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, fits the profile of a “tweener.” And that’s the type of defender that has had a difficult time cracking Spagnuolo’s rotation in previous seasons. So what makes Thomas different — and also someone the Chiefs wanted to pursue with their early second-round pick? “He is an all-out, relentless, high-motor kid,” assistant general manager Mike Bradway said. “I know he’s not prototype. It’s not typically what Spags is (looking for) — these guys that have played for Spags. But I think the combination of his skill and the character make you feel good about it.” One potential cautionary tale comes from October 2024. The Chiefs traded a 2026 sixth-round pick for a tweener edge rusher, Joshua Uche, who barely saw the field down the stretch and often failed to make the team’s game-day active roster. That scenario was a bit different, though. Uche coming in midseason meant less time to learn Spagnuolo’s complicated playbook. Edge rusher Charles Omenihu’s quicker-than-expected return from a knee injury also ate into Uche’s potential playing time. In contrast, Thomas will arrive in K.C. with a full offseason to get integrated. And the Chiefs believe, at his best, he can inject some much-needed juice into the pass rush. Undersized, but plays fast; should be able to find a meaningful NFL role. Too often a season ago, the Chiefs defense failed to get off the field on critical third downs. The team spent much of the season as one of the NFL’s least-clutch teams, failing to deliver on those high-leverage downs that matter most. Thomas could help change that. He was nicknamed “The Closer” during his Oklahoma career, a moniker born from his tendency to play his best in the biggest moments. Bradway said, on film, Chiefs personnel frequently saw Thomas “gassing up” in the fourth quarter on important rushing downs. “He’s a guy that can create turnovers,” Bradway said, “both with his speed and his motor.” Bradway said scouts began to see Thomas pop on tape in 2024 while looking at other prospects. Thomas flashed not only as a tough player but also as one who wasn’t afraid to run through blocks when needed. “I don’t think he’s a one-trick pony (as a pass rusher) either,” Bradway said. “I think he actually does have some power. He can counter. That helps the entire group, because you want to have some versatility within those guys.” One other detail that helped Thomas’ cause? The Chiefs’ new running backs coach, DeMarco Murray, was around Thomas as Oklahoma’s running backs coach the last few seasons. Bradway said Murray raved about Thomas, both as a player and a person. The final result was Bradway reporting that Spagnuolo was “all-in” with the Chiefs’ selection of Thomas. Even if he’s a bit different from the team’s normal “type” at defensive end. “I think just having that guy — a threat to win consistently — will help everybody, from George (Karlaftis) to Chris (Jones), the whole group,” Bradway said. “I think it’s a big addition.” Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms