At one point during the first half of the Broncos’ 27-11 loss to the Redskins last week, Denver had three undrafted rookie defensive backs playing at the same time. Safety Jamal Carter was appearing in his 15th game after making the active roster out of training camp, cornerback Marcus Rios was playing in his fourth game and safety Dymonte Thomas was suiting up for the second time.
The trio held its own during its brief time on the field, and coach came away impressed with the group. He especially noted the progress of Thomas.
“He’s a mature guy,” Joseph said of the undrafted safety out of Michigan, who jumped onto the radar when he returned an interception for a touchdown in Denver’s preseason finale against the Cardinals back in August. “He walked in and played like a veteran for us. He knows what he’s doing. That’s half the battle for young guys in the secondary. Can they make calls on the move? He can.”
Thomas spoke with The Denver Post this week about his opportunity to see the field, surviving as an undrafted player and his relationship with Broncos rookie tight end and former Michigan teammate Jake Butt:
Q: After most of the season on the practice squad, what was it like to see some action (11 snaps) on defense at Washington?
A: Man, I enjoyed it. I looked up to guys like (cornerbacks) and and (safety) . To actually have a chance to go out there and play with them, it was a blessing. I had so much fun.”
Q: What is the biggest challenge you face as an undrafted rookie?
A: The biggest challenge is you always have to go full speed each and every day. Whether it’s on the field or off the field, you always have to make sure you keep your nose clean because some guys, when they get drafted, they have more (leeway) to be late or to not go hard at practice this day or that day. But when you’re undrafted, you’ve got to go hard each and every day. You have to be on your toes because you never know when they could let you go.
Q: At one point Sunday, you and the other two undrafted players in the secondary were on the field at the same time …
A: Yeah, it was exciting. I remember looking during the game and seeing that (safety ) was out and Talib was out. And then I looked and said, “Oh, all the young guys are in here. OK, let’s go.” It got me pumped because I like to see those young guys in there, as well.
Q: I’ve read that your father was in the Marines and had a big impact on you growing up. What were his lessons?
A: My dad was always strict on me. He always had these rules and guidelines. One thing with him coming from the Marines is he always knew how to do things right. He told me to always do the right thing and always told me to be a leader and not a follower. He said being a leader is doing things right and doing things by example. Don’t say something and do the opposite. I always try to make sure I do that.
Q: You look two lockers down and there is Jake Butt, your college teammate at Michigan. How has it been to share the rookie experience with him?
A: I used to date Jake’s best friend back in high school, my senior year. Jake and I have been boys for a while. The crazy thing is if you asked me this my freshman year of college, I never would have thought we’d be in the same locker room together in the NFL. It’s crazy to think about and see. Not many players have to opportunity to have someone they played with (in college) just a few lockers down from them.
Q: Obviously, Jake (who tore his ACL last December) wanted to get on the field this year and wasn’t quite able to make it. How have you guys leaned on each other through this season as rookies?
A: I’m always asking him if he’s OK. And he always gives me the same answer: “Yeah, man. I’m coming back better, faster, stronger than ever.” I know he’s working hard and will continue to work hard. I’m going to keep encouraging him the best I can. I know he’ll be ready next year.
Q: I understand you guys talked a lot of smack at each other in college. Are you eager to be able to do that again once he returns?
A: Jake and I have talked trash since college. We always covered each other one-on-one. The first few times Jake used to get me, but I finally settled in and got my footwork down. Now I can cover him pretty well. I can’t wait to see him out there during the offseason and during training camp and all that because I’m ready to cover him. I’m going to let him know that I’ve gotten a lot better than I was in college.
