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The Kansas City Chiefs knew that adding to their pass rush stocks in the NFL Draft was a priority for Steve Spagnuolo.
Chris Jones and George Karlaftis need help, and the pass rush unit as a whole needs another body and better production.
The Chiefs think they've got that in R Mason Thomas in the second round.
And ESPN's Field Yates thinks that Thomas could be slated for an immediate start in his rookie season.
“Thomas was a top-25 player on my final board, so this was great value for the Chiefs to stay patient and land him,” Yates wrote. “What he lacks in size (6-foot-2, 249 pounds), he makes up for with juice. He's a blur coming off the edge, with strong first-step quickness and active, combative hands.
“The Chiefs needed to find pass rushers who major in getting home quick to take the burden off Chris Jones. Mission accomplished.”
MORE: Analyst predicts Commanders' rookie for key offensive role
Thomas a rotational piece?
He very well could be, and with some depth charts already having him behind Karlaftis, it appears some are bullish on Thomas being able to contribute straight away.
But to be able to do that, he's going to have to prove himself this offseason, which means stacking good days of production and forcing the coaching staff's hand when it comes to placing him high on the depth chart.
With the Chiefs needing a lot more production from their defensive line, adding Thomas could be the little pick-me-up the defense needs.
Now, we aren't expecting the world from Thomas, but to be a consistent contributor? That is totally in the realm of possibility.
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