It is a huge week at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, where rumors and intel begin to surface with more details for the 2026 NFL Draft class. This is an extremely important event each and every year for the process, the only predraft event that has all the scouts, decision makers, players, agents, and media under one roof. While there is a lot of information that is meant for posturing and deception over the next few days, there is also some truth that will manage to get out there.
In some conversations with several scouting sources in the league, including one very detailed back-and-forth, there are several talented 2026 prospects who are expected to go much earlier in April than the mock draft community realizes right now. Two players who stood out most to me are a pair of talented pass rushers, R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) and Cashius Howell (Texas A&M). Both are widely liked around the league, and that is especially true compared to the media.
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That source was adamant that at least one, if not both players, have a strong chance to be selected inside the first 20 selections. After the top-3 EDGE defenders at the top, which include Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), and David Bailey (Texas Tech), there is a massive drop-off to the next tier, especially for teams that view Reese as more of a stacked linebacker. Getting after the quarterback is the name of the game, which is the big reason why Thomas and Howell seem to be valued so heavily.
A lot can happen between now and April, but the growing belief that this second tier of pass rushers could go earlier than expected continues to intensify.
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R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma)
There may not be a better pure speed rusher in the class than Thomas, especially when you pair his first step with bend. Over the past two seasons, Thomas has been stellar for the Sooners, collecting 22 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, and three forced fumbles. His outlier size will limit Thomas as a run defender, but his effort makes him a passable contributor. At the end of the day, Thomas is on the field to affect the quarterback, the most important position in all of sports.
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From an explosiveness and a pass rushing upside perspective, there is a lot to like about Thomas. He also checks the boxes in terms of character, as well. The biggest remaining question is going to be what the medicals look like with Thomas. He missed time during three separate seasons while dealing with varying issues, such as a hamstring, a high-ankle, and a quad. With his smaller frame, getting that medical box checked will be important.
Cashius Howell (Texas A&M)
Like Thomas, Howell is dealing with the issues surrounding his outlier size and arm length. That didn’t stop Howell from dominating the SEC this past season, finishing that year with 14 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and six pass breakups. The former Bowling Green transfer has more pop in his hands than you might expect, while also possessing the speed to corner on the next level with consistency. There is a lot to love about Howell on passing downs.
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It feels like you mostly see Howell come off the board very late in the first round of mock drafts, if not early in the second. Out of the two pass rushers, Howell would be the more likely player to go top half of the first round. His injury history is just cleaner, while still offering upside to tap into. As of today, I would be a bit surprised if at least one of them didn’t go off the board inside of the top 20 selections.
Related: Garrett Nussmeier 2026 NFL Draft: scouting report for LSU, QB
This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Feb 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL Draft section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.