Drake Thomas

[Jerhawk]

He was mentioned a few times in the Gameday chat, but I figured I’d start a thread here.

Who the heck is Drake Thomas?

That little dude was flying around the field last night, making play after play, legit big tackles all over the place. It’s a bummer he fumbled that touchdown! He almost had a scoop and a score there.

Here’s some information about this young man:

• 25 year old undrafted player, originally signed by the Raiders in 2023
• Played college at NC State (same as Russell Wilson. Coincidence? I think not)
• He’s only 5’11” which is pretty undersized for an inside linebacker, however compared to the average man’s height on Tinder, he’s in the top 70%
• He reportedly ran a high 4.5 to low 4.6 40 during his pro day
• He won 2nd team ACC honors in 2022

What makes this kid more of a solid defender than the man whom he replaced, Tyrice Knight? Besides Knight’s health not being 100% right now, Drake Thomas just seems to have good instincts, elite quickness, an innate ability to shed blocks or avoid them altogether.

What are your thoughts on Drake Thomas? Do we have something special here?

 

[jammerhawk]

He's moved up on the DC. Solid play now for several weeks in a row.

 

[kidhawk]

I’ve seen him here and there and thought he was spunky but just didn’t think he’d have what it takes to play at a high level but he seriously impressed me last night. I’m a fan of knight but this Thomas kid needs to be on the field.

 

[Ad Hawk]

Loved the sack, too. Reminded me of ET a bit--heat-seeking missle.

 

[sutz]

Wouldn't Lofa be a better comp?

 

[Pickly]

These are the kinds finds you need to build a championship roster. Cheap, undrafted or late round pick, and playing way above expectations. He’s all over the field and making splash plays. He covered well last night despite being undersized at the position. Like previously stated, shades of Lofa Tatupu.

 

[samwize77]

I've always liked this kid. He made his mistakes when he showed up, but I always felt if they gave him enough time, he'd develop into something good. Now that he's getting alot of playing time he appears to be getting better and better. I kind of remember hearing Raider fans weren't happy they let him go. I am starting to see why.

 

[hox]

He's definitely flashed. Impressive sack here, where #42 dominated that LT.

 

[glenwo2]

I really wish they'd have shown exactly where (from a sideline view) Drake fumbled the football at the goal-line.

Some say he was inches away from it being 6 for the Hawks.

 

[SocialParasite]

He's definitely flashed. Impressive sack here, where #42 dominated that LT.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

That kid is all over the place. Solid

 

[LeveeBreak]

I remember when Pete stole him from the Raiders. I think we may have played them in PS that year, so they had a good look at him. Pete probably wishing he hadn't done that. I remember the Raiders were pissed we poached him b/c they thought he'd make it to there practice squad. There was a vid here of some highlights and his reaction time jumped off the screen. He looks like he's bulked up since then.

He's played well on ST the past couple of years, but was injured for a bit if I remember correctly. He had some errors in the 9er game when they were dinkin/dunkin us to death. Kid was great last night.

He and Okada show that you need to let backups grow through mistakes. Depth is definitely a strength (except OG).

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Coach Mike has a very good idea for Defensive talent. This defense will be top 5 at the end of the regular season, imo.

 

[evergreen]

That D on Monday was LOB worthy. The goal line stand. Awesome.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

And all that minus Love and Spoon. Shoot, I'll give credit where it's due, Woolen had a hell of a game.

 

[hox]

10 TFLs so far this season. He good.

 

[Sperrydogg]

He clearly flashed going downhill but did anyone pay much attention to how he covers? Knight seems like he handles coverage pretty well

 

[Frank12]

At first I wasn't a fan because of his size, but this kid has proven me WRONG!!!. I am a fan now, and this kid is a baller he's shown playing with EJ4, Knight, or O'Connell he still makes plays no matter who's next to him... I love Drake Thomas

 

[OneLofaTatupu]

I’m excited for all the free agents that are going to want to play D in Mikes system. Look what he can do.

 

[hox]