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A cubist interpretation of a pass-rushing edge defender, capturing the explosive energy and fractured perspectives of a high-stakes NFL moment.Seattle Today
The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly interested in adding Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft as a potential replacement for Boye Mafe, who the team is expected to miss. Thomas, a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2025, had 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss last season and could be a target for the Seahawks with one of their top three picks at 32nd, 64th, and 96th overall.
Why it matters
The Seahawks have a clear need at edge rusher after losing Mafe, and Thomas could be an intriguing option to provide depth and pass-rushing ability alongside Demarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall. However, Thomas’ smaller size at 6-foot-2, 241 pounds may be a concern, and the Seahawks may need to use an earlier pick than ideal to secure him if he’s taken before their second-round selection.
The details
According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks have R Mason Thomas on their list of pre-draft visits as they look to add an edge rusher to replace Boye Mafe. Thomas, a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2025, had 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in 10 games last season for Oklahoma. At 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds, Thomas is on the smaller side for a defensive lineman, but he’s known for his pass-rushing upside and could be a nice rotational piece alongside Demarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.
The players
R Mason Thomas
A 6.5-sack edge rusher from the University of Oklahoma who is a potential target for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Boye Mafe
A defensive end who previously played for the Seattle Seahawks and is now expected to leave the team.
Demarcus Lawrence
A defensive end who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
Derick Hall
A defensive end who currently plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
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What they’re saying
“Which likely helps explain the Seahawks’ interest in Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas, a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2025.”
— Brady Henderson, ESPN Reporter
“He’s among the names on Seattle’s list of pre-draft visits, according to NFL reporter Arye Pulli.”
— Brady Henderson, ESPN Reporter
“Seattle’s needs are clear, and with one of their top three picks at 32nd, 64th, and 96th overall, an edge rusher should be a priority.”
— Brady Henderson, ESPN Reporter
What’s next
The Seahawks will continue to evaluate R Mason Thomas and other edge rushers leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26, 2026. They will need to decide if they want to use one of their top three picks to select Thomas or if they will target a different edge rusher to fill the void left by Boye Mafe’s departure.
The takeaway
The Seahawks’ interest in R Mason Thomas highlights their need to find a replacement for Boye Mafe at defensive end. While Thomas has intriguing pass-rushing ability, his smaller size may be a concern. The Seahawks will need to weigh the pros and cons of selecting Thomas, who could be a valuable rotational piece, with one of their early draft picks.