Imagine being overlooked, undrafted, and yet becoming the cornerstone of one of the NFL’s most formidable defenses. That’s the story of Drake Thomas and Ty Okada, two players who started the 2025 season on the fringes of the Seattle Seahawks’ plans but have since become indispensable. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can two undrafted players truly carry the weight of a championship-caliber defense? Let’s dive in.
When the season kicked off, Thomas and Okada were afterthoughts, logging just 15 and 6 snaps in Week 1, respectively. Fast forward eight weeks, and the narrative has flipped dramatically. Okada has amassed 367 defensive snaps and 74 on special teams, while Thomas has racked up 316 defensive snaps and 105 on special teams. These aren’t just fill-in players—they’re starters, and they’re thriving.
Every NFL team talks about the ‘Next Man Up’ philosophy, but the Seahawks are living it. And they’re doing it in two distinct ways. Okada stepped into a critical role due to injuries to Nick Emmanwori, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love. Meanwhile, Thomas outperformed last year’s starter, Tyrice Knight, earning his spot in just a month. And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about filling a void—it’s about elevating the team.
Thomas has been a force at linebacker, with three sacks and six tackles for loss, while Okada’s interception on Sunday Night Football has everyone talking. But let’s not forget his preseason pick against Malik Willis—a play so jaw-dropping it’s still buzzing in my mind. Standing at 5’11”, both players hail from smaller programs: Okada from Montana State and Thomas from North Carolina State. Neither heard their names called in the 2023 draft, but the Seahawks scooped up Okada, and GM John Schneider snagged Thomas off waivers after the Raiders let him go.
Now, these third-year players are starters on the NFL’s top-ranked defense, logging more snaps than Witherspoon and nearly matching Byron Murphy’s totals. Here’s the bold truth: They’re not just holding their own—they’re making game-changing plays. Thomas’s pass-rushing prowess and Okada’s ball-hawking skills have turned them into fan favorites.
But which player’s rise is more surprising? Thomas had the hype, but Okada’s consistency and impact, especially replacing a Pro Bowler like Julian Love, make a strong case. What do you think? Is Okada’s performance more impressive, or does Thomas’s rapid ascent take the cake? Let’s debate it in the comments.
The Seahawks’ success this season isn’t just about star power—it’s about depth. With Okada likely sticking around longer due to Love’s injury and Thomas carrying the momentum at linebacker, this team is built to last. Are you worried about their long-term impact? I’m not. But I want to hear from you—do these undrafted stars have what it takes to keep the Seahawks atop the division? Sound off below!
