R. Mason Thomas: SF 49ers' Pass Rusher Target

0:00You're listening to NFL News Today. Subscribe now for fast daily updates on your team. The San Francisco 49ers are expected to target a pass rusher high in the 2026 NFL draft, and one rising name is Armason Thomas, from Colorado State. This six-foot-to 230-pound edge defender stands out with his explosive speed and sharp bend around tackles, making him a natural fit for situational pass rush duties. Thomas plays with relentless energy, chasing down quarterbacks from various angles, but he needs work on his size and strength against the run. Bigger offensive lineman can overwhelm him and past injuries race questions about his durability at the next level. Fans and analysts compare him to Samson Ebbacom, an undersized specialist who has carved out a solid career with around five sacks of season in, rotation, peaking at nine and a half one year. That sets a realistic baseline for Thomas as a high upside rotational piece, rather than an every-down star. For the 49ers, Thomas lines up perfectly as

1:04a replacement for Bryce Huff, filling a specific speed roll without demanding starter snaps right. Away, he's currently ranked around the 47 spot on mock drafts, creating a tough call at their likely 27 pick in the first round. Teams like the 49ers will weigh if his past rush flash justifies reaching early, or if they can snag him in round two for better value, keeping draft boards worth watching as the 2026 class shapes up.