Dolphins to Meet with Top Draft Edge Rusher R Mason Thomas

Oklahoma standout defender set to visit Miami ahead of 2023 NFL Draft

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:49pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in the act of rushing the passer, with sharp planes of aqua blue, orange, and white overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract composition.A cubist interpretation of a dynamic pass rush captures the explosive athleticism and disruptive potential of top draft prospect R Mason Thomas.Today in Miami

The Miami Dolphins have scheduled a pre-draft visit with R Mason Thomas, one of the top edge rusher prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Thomas, a Fort Lauderdale native, is known for his explosiveness and speed off the edge despite being slightly undersized at 6'2" and 248 pounds.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are in need of bolstering their pass rush after the departures of Jaelen Phillips and Bradley Chubb. Thomas could provide a dynamic young talent to pair with Chop Robinson and help improve Miami's overall defensive front.

The details

In nine games for the Oklahoma Sooners last season, Thomas recorded 6.5 sacks and 26 total tackles. He is expected to be selected in the second round, if not late first round, of the upcoming draft. The Dolphins hold the 30th overall pick in the first round and the 43rd overall pick in the second round, giving them opportunities to potentially land Thomas.

  • The Dolphins have scheduled a pre-draft visit with R Mason Thomas.

The players

R Mason Thomas

A 6'2", 248-pound edge rusher from the University of Oklahoma who is considered one of the top prospects at his position in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Jaelen Phillips

A former Dolphins defensive end who departed the team in free agency.

Bradley Chubb

A former Dolphins defensive end who departed the team in free agency.

Chop Robinson

A Dolphins defensive end entering his third NFL season after a disappointing sophomore campaign.

Josh Uche

A Dolphins linebacker/edge rusher.

David Ojabo

A Dolphins linebacker/edge rusher.

Robert Beal Jr.

A Dolphins linebacker/edge rusher.

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What they’re saying

“Thomas falls in that gray area between linebacker and edge rusher, due to his lack of size. While top edge rushers around the league stand at 6'4, 6'5, and so on, Thomas stands at just 6'2, and 248 pounds. However, his 'explosiveness and speed' make him a nuisance on the defensive line.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL Network Analyst

What’s next

The Dolphins will evaluate Thomas during his pre-draft visit and determine if he is a fit for their team and their defensive scheme. If they are impressed, they could look to select him with one of their early draft picks.

The takeaway

The Dolphins' meeting with R Mason Thomas highlights their need to bolster their pass rush this offseason. Thomas' blend of athleticism and production at Oklahoma makes him an intriguing prospect, and the Dolphins will have to weigh his potential against his relatively small stature for an edge rusher. This visit is an important step in the Dolphins' draft preparations as they look to find the right pieces to improve their defense.