And after subbing in for Knight in certain situations earlier in the season, Thomas moved into the starting lineup for the past three games, and in those games, he has recorded 20 tackles, 2.0 sacks, three tackles for loss and two passes defensed.
“It’s been amazing, I’ve been super thankful for every high and every low,” Thomas said of his NFL journey so far. “It’s all been a part of the process, and it has all eventually led to this point right here. So I’m grateful for every single step. I’ve definitely learned and grown throughout the process, so that’s all you can ask for.”
For Macdonald, Thomas is just the latest example of a player showing what he can do in practice and on special teams before moving into a starting role. Last year, Coby Bryant was able to follow that path on his way to becoming an every-down playmaking safety, and cornerback Josh Jobe went from practice squad cornerback to starter. With injuries in the secondary this year, the Seahawks have gotten contributions in big roles from several players, including safety Ty Okada, cornerback Derion Kendrick, who was claimed off waivers before the start of the season, and veteran cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who started last week after being elevated from the practice squad.
“Drake’s story is awesome,” Macdonald said. “We showed up and our personnel people had a high opinion of him. He was a player that I wasn’t familiar with before we got here. He was injured at the beginning of last year, but he’s an example of a guy that came back early from his injury because of how hard he worked, how he attacked the process, and he’s the same guy every day. He’s 100 percent, he’s all in. He’s attention detailed. He understands adjustments, understands game plans. He’s tough as nails. I think he’s a good athlete, he does a lot of positive things. He’s made a lot of plays on special teams, but this is the guy that we saw all offseason too. When players tell you who they are, believe them.”
Thomas’ ascension to a starting role doesn’t mean Knight won’t have a meaningful role moving forward—Macdonald has shown he is more than comfortable using both players in games this season, but as of now, Thomas is the one earning the starting reps.
“These things, they’re never set in stone,” Macdonald said. “I feel like we’ve proven that over the last couple of years. It’s always what we feel is going to give us the best chance to win at that moment. But a great example with Tyrice (Knight), is he went into the game after Drake, I think he hurt his finger, and they ran a trap pass right behind him in cover three. It was a great reaction, played underneath the trap pass. We either got a sack or a tackle on that play for no gain. That’s a great example of being ready, staying ready, coming in and playing to the standard when we go out there. Both guys are deserving of playing time, but right now, Drake’s playing great football.
“Well, we believe in development here. We’ve said this multiple times, but players were allowed to get better and improve. They can come from anywhere and if you’re going to put yourself in a position to help us win, then we’re going to play you.”