Chargers inject youth into pass rush in new 2026 NFL mock draft

Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas may end up being one of the biggest risers through next season’s draft process.

Over the next calendar year, the Chargers are likely going to paired over and over again with a young pass rusher in 2026 mock drafts. With Khalil Mack another year older, it seems only right the Chargers would want to keep that group talented and poised for a successful future.

In this new mock by Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports, the Chargers pick at No. 23 and are paired with Oklahoma edge rusher R Mason Thomas (yes, that’s his real name). The 6’2, 249-pounder (as listed on OU’s roster) is an incredibly-explosive athlete that may have an even better first step then 2025 third-overall pick Abdul Carter.

“Unofficially listed at 240 pounds, so you’d like to see if he could add 10 pounds to his frame,” notes Wilson. “That said, better vs. the run than Donovan Ezeiruaku (Cowboys 2025 second-round pick) and might be a better, more explosive pass rusher. He can win with speed (including an incredible first step) or power, and makes plays all over the field.”

After two seasons playing as a backup for the Sooners, Mason broke out as a junior with 23 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

On film, Mason looks wildly slippery when attacking the corner of an offensive tackle. Similar to Mike Green from this past draft, he has notable flexibility and he somehow manages to stay on his feet with some Matrix-like bend.

With little experience as a whole playing as a starter, Thomas has a lot of room to grow, but the foundational skillset he showed in 2024 is a phenomenal place to start. On top of that, he’s also a very strong run defender. While many will praise his ability to get after quarterbacks, his ability to split double-teams and hold the edge to spill runs back inside will earn him a ton of money should he reproduce and improve upon his 2024 season.