Drake Thomas defies expectations, rises as a key player for the Seattle Seahawks
Drake Thomas has long faced skepticism regarding his ability to excel as a linebacker in the NFL. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 228 pounds, his size has often led critics to question whether he could compete effectively at a professional level. Yet, throughout his football journey, Thomas has consistently silenced those doubts.
Overcoming Doubts
Reflecting on his career, Thomas recounted the persistent challenges posed by evaluators at every level of play. “Every level, you get college coaches, recruiters come in and tell you what you can and can’t do,” he said. “You prove them wrong, and then you’re getting ready for the next step, and all you hear is the ‘He’s a good college player, but he’s not able to do it at the next level.’”
After a stellar college career at NC State, where he recorded 293 tackles, 46 tackles for loss, 19 sacks, and four interceptions, Thomas went undrafted in 2023. His impressive performance earned him a Second Team All-ACC selection in 2022, yet doubts about his size loomed large as he entered the professional ranks.
A Rocky Start in the NFL
Initially signed by the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent, Thomas was waived after training camp. Fortunately for him, the Seattle Seahawks claimed him, marking the beginning of a new chapter. However, his rookie season was cut short by a season-ending knee injury, which landed him on the physically unable to perform list at the start of training camp in 2024.
Last season, Thomas primarily contributed on special teams, working under head coach Mike Macdonald. Yet this year, he has transitioned into a starting role at inside linebacker, often teaming up with Ernest Jones IV when the latter is healthy. “I feel like reflection is important. I try to live a life full of gratitude,” Thomas shared. “Seeing everything that I’ve gone through… to get to this point, it helps me live a life of gratitude.”
Fighting Through Adversity
The knee injury Thomas sustained in 2023 sidelined him for approximately nine months, leaving him relatively unknown on the Seahawks’ roster. However, his return to the field has showcased a renewed intensity and determination. Thomas has adopted a fierce playing style that complements Jones, making the Seahawks’ second level of defense significantly more formidable.
“Physically, I mean, I feel fine. The knee doesn’t create any issues for me,” Thomas stated, emphasizing his recovery. “Initially, coming back, I feel like the biggest struggle was probably mentally trusting it again… There were times where I didn’t feel like myself on the field, and that was really frustrating.”
His journey back to form required considerable mental fortitude. “I had to fight really hard to get to the spot where I wanted to be and where I felt like myself and was playing with a lot of confidence again, like I had always done prior to that,” he explained.
Seahawks’ Linebacker Shuffle
The linebacker position has seen considerable turnover for the Seahawks in recent seasons. With Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks departing after the previous campaign, the team brought in Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson to fill the void. However, both players were either traded or released midseason, and the team endured a tough stretch, losing five of their last six games before the Week 10 bye.
In response, the Seahawks acquired Jones from the Tennessee Titans, hoping he would serve as a long-term anchor for the defense. Rookie fourth-round pick Tyrice Knight was initially slotted alongside him, but as training camp progressed, Knight’s starting position became uncertain. Thomas seized the opportunity, pushing for more playing time as the two shared reps early in the season.
As Thomas continues to prove his doubters wrong, his story serves as a testament to resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of a player who refuses to be defined by his size or setbacks.
