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Who did the Jaguarsā take with the picks from their shrewd 2025 NFL Draft trade?
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NFL
R Mason Thomas reveals connection to Chiefs' Pro Bowl AFC West rival
TL;DR
R Mason Thomas, selected 40th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, expressed admiration for AFC West rival Nik Bonitto, highlighting their connection. Thomas aims to improve through insights gained from Bonitto, a two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos.
Key points
- R Mason Thomas was selected 40th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft
- He admires Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos
- Thomas started 10 games last season at Oklahoma
- Bonitto is a two-time Pro Bowler with a career-high of 14 sacks
R Mason ThomasNik BonittoKansas City ChiefsDenver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end R Mason Thomas addressed reporters in a press conference for the first time shortly after being selected 40th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. He shared his admiration and connection to a standout player from an AFC West rival.
"Nik Bonitto, that's the number one reason why I went to Oklahoma. So that was a big thing," said Thomas, "I wasn't recruited by him because he was going to the league around this time, when I was just coming to be a freshman. He was a part of the Lincoln (Riley) staff, so he didn't necessarily know BV (Brent Venables), but yeah, I definitely talked to him. My first time meeting him was around this time last year for their spring game, and yeah, I've been in contact. Text him about different things to get better."
Thomas started 10 games last season, finishing with 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss with 6.5 sacks, a pass breakup, 2 forced fumbles, and a safety.
Bonitto is a two-time Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. He had a career-high 14 sacks last season, and at 6 ft 3, 248 pounds, he shares similar physical traits with Thomas.
During four seasons at Oklahoma, Thomas played in 42 games, collecting 65 total tackles and 17 sacks, earning AP second-team All-American honors.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: R Mason Thomas reveals connection to Chiefs' Pro Bowl AFC West rival
Q&A
What connection does R Mason Thomas have with Nik Bonitto?
R Mason Thomas admires Nik Bonitto, stating he was a key reason for his decision to attend Oklahoma and has been in contact with him for guidance.
What were R Mason Thomas's stats in his last season at Oklahoma?
In his last season, R Mason Thomas started 10 games, recording 26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles.
What are Nik Bonitto's achievements in the NFL?
Nik Bonitto is a two-time Pro Bowler and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2024, with a career-high of 14 sacks last season.
