The Dallas Cowboys felt the absence of defensive end Micah Parsons throughout the 2025 season, despite bringing in midseason reinforcements, and are now desperate for pass-rush help after failing to acquire either Maxx Crosby or sign Trey Hendrickson this offseason.
Trading Parsons to the Green Bay Packers and hiring Matt Eberflus as their defensive coordinator sent Dallas into a downward spiral during the 2025 season. They eventually ranked dead last in Defensive DVOA and finished 30th in total defense, with the pass rush emerging as a major concern.
The Cowboys began addressing that issue immediately this offseason, acquiring Rashan Gary from the Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. However, Dallas is not done yet, and with two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, Jerry Jones is well-positioned to further strengthen the defensive front.
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In ESPN’s latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft, Field Yates predicts the Cowboys will use both of their first-round selections on defense. Jones is projected to select cornerback Jermod McCoy with the 12th overall pick before addressing the pass rush at No. 20 by taking Oklahoma Sooners defensive end R Mason Thomas.
"Thomas is my type of football player as an explosive, powerful and relentless pass rusher. Plus, he has heavy hands and a nasty attitude when defending the run (21 run stops over the past two seasons)," Yates wrote. "Thomas dealt with an injury for part of the 2025 season, but he still finished with 6.5 sacks and 23 pressures in nine games.
"The Cowboys must keep hammering away at their pass rush to find some semblance of what they had with Micah Parsons. Dallas traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary to boost this same initiative."
Thomas spent his entire collegiate career with the Sooners and showed promise in limited action in 2022 and 2023. He broke out as a junior in 2024, recording nine sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Although an injury limited his momentum this past season, the 21-year-old maintained solid production, finishing with 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss, bringing his career total to 17 sacks.
At 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, Thomas possesses elite burst, bend, and quickness off the edge. Pairing him with Quinnen Williams, Kenny Clark, and fellow big end Osa Odighizuwa could allow the Cowboys to deploy five-man fronts capable of doing serious damage.
