Every NFL Draft prospect says they'll be content with whatever franchise they end up with, but there are definitely better landing spots than others for players.
Former Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas is the Sooners' top prospect heading into the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25 as a fringe first-round pick. Any team that takes Thomas in the first round instead of the second is an immediate bonus, but there are also other factors that make for the best franchise for Thomas to start his NFL career.
The Philadelphia Eagles had five edge rushers head to free agency, so are nearing desperation to add more bodies to the position. Depending on how things all shake out, Thomas could even get an opportunity to start in Philadelphia as a rookie for one of the defenses in the NFL and real Super Bowl contender. However, there appears to be cracks in the Eagles' foundation, so this may not be the best landing spot for Thomas long-term.
The Eagles are late enough in the NFL Draft at No. 23 to take Thomas in the first round, but more than likely, they would wait until the second round.
The Dallas Cowboys are apparently extremely high on Thomas, with CBS Sports' Pete Prisco recently projecting the Cowboys to select Thomas 12th overall in the first round, which is higher than anyone else. ESPN's Field Yates also predicted Dallas to take Thomas 20th overall. What that reveals is that Thomas would obviously be loved in Dallas.
The Cowboys have a pair of first-round picks, so if they really are that enamored by Thomas, then they're likely his best chance at going in the first round. That means a lot money in Thomas' pocket and the closest he could be to Sooner Nation after leaving Norman. That does still mean Jerry Jones drama, though.
It wouldn't get much better than joining the reigning Super Bowl champion in Seattle. The Seahawks just lost edge rusher Boye Mafe, so have a void to fill at the position. As the Super Bowl champ, Seattle also has the last pick in the first round, which bolsters Thomas' chances of going Day 1, especially since the Seahawks can't anticipate Thomas still being there late in the second round if they really want him.