Broncos take swing on true wild card with first-round pick in latest mock draft

The Denver Broncos led the NFL with 68 sacks in 2025, the fifth-most for a team in NFL history. Many teams use the draft to address weaknesses, but there is an approach where teams will decide to make their biggest strength even stronger. 

That is what the Broncos do in the mock draft recently posted by Charles Davis over at NFL.com. With the No. 30 selection in the first round, he has the Broncos grabbing edge rusher R Mason Thomas out of Oklahoma. 

Thomas is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year's class and if you have looked at the dozens upon dozens of mock drafts that are already out there, you likely haven't come across another one where the Broncos make this pick. Many analysts don't place a first-round grade on Thomas. 

Broncos use the No. 30 pick to select Oklahoma's R Mason Thomas

"Broncos Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto is the pass-rushing leader of a defensive line on a multi-season tear. His fellow former Sooner will be eager to join the party", wrote Davis. 

Make no mistake, at this stage in his career, Thomas is a one-trick pony. He rushes the passer, but he does that incredibly well and he has the traits that could make him a dominant pass-rusher, even if it's just in a situational role. 

R Mason Thomas is one of my “no matter what” prospects in this draft. My 15th overall player - lots of Harold Landry vibes to his game. pic.twitter.com/nORIWRynpw

At 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, scouts are going to see him as too small and not strong enough to hold up at the professional level. He also comes with some pretty legitimate health concerns. 

That said, if the Broncos bring him into a group that includes Bonitto, who also came out of Oklahoma, and Jonathon Cooper, Thomas would not be needed immediately. The team could use his rookie season as a developmental one, similar to what we saw with Que Robinson this past season.

The Broncos can build this stable of game-changing pass rushers and keep the strength of the defense intact for many years to come. 

MORE: Broncos' best replacement options for free agents they may lose in 2026

At the bottom of the first round, there are many ways that teams can go. This pick would make sense as a low-risk, potentially high-reward option. 

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