Pack Pros Shine Bright in Divisional Round: Thuney, Thomas, Bradbury, and Durden Deliver Under Pressure
The Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs brought no shortage of drama, and if you're an NC State fan, there was plenty to cheer about. Former Wolfpack standouts made their presence felt in a big way, stepping up in high-stakes moments and proving once again that “Pack Pros” are built for January football. From Joe Thuney holding down the blindside in an emergency start, to Drake Thomas flying around for a dominant Seahawks defense, NC State alumni were everywhere this weekend - and they weren’t just participating, they were making serious impact.
Let’s break down how these Pack Pros showed out under the playoff spotlight.
Joe Thuney, OL, Chicago Bears
Joe Thuney has made a career out of being reliable, but what he did this weekend for the Bears was next-level. With starting tackle Ozzy Trapilo sidelined for the season, Chicago turned to Thuney - a veteran guard - to slide out to left tackle, a position he hadn’t played since Super Bowl LIX with the Chiefs.
The result? Vintage Thuney: calm, composed, and highly effective.
Despite the Bears falling in heartbreaking fashion to the Rams on a walk-off field goal in overtime, Thuney’s performance stood out. In one of the most dramatic games of the season, he didn’t just hold his own - he looked like he’d been playing on the edge all year.
This marks the end of Thuney’s 10th NFL season, and while Chicago’s run came up just short, there’s a lot to build on. Thuney's first year in a Bears uniform was a success by any measure, and with two years left on his contract, the Pro Bowler figures to be a cornerstone of this offensive line moving forward. If this season was any indication, Chicago’s not done knocking on the door - and Thuney will be leading the charge.
Cory Durden, DL, New England Patriots
The Patriots’ defense came to play in the Divisional Round, and while the offense had its ups and downs, the defensive front made life miserable for Houston’s CJ Stroud all game long. Cory Durden didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but his presence was felt - and the advanced metrics back it up.
Durden logged 36 snaps and registered four quarterback pressures, earning a 90.9 pass-rushing grade from Pro Football Focus. That’s elite territory. He now enters the AFC Championship with a 91.7 postseason pass-rushing grade and an overall grade of 80.3 - a clear indication that he’s peaking at the right time.
While the Patriots benefitted from five Houston turnovers, don’t overlook the role Durden played in keeping Stroud uncomfortable and the Texans out of rhythm. With Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos up next, Durden’s ability to collapse the pocket could once again be a game-changer.
Garrett Bradbury, C, New England Patriots
When the Patriots brought in Garrett Bradbury this offseason, the goal was clear: stabilize the middle of the offensive line and give young quarterback Drake Maye a steady hand up front. Safe to say, Bradbury has delivered - and then some.
Now in his seventh NFL season, Bradbury has become the heartbeat of this offensive line. His chemistry with Maye has grown week by week, and while the Patriots gave up five sacks to Houston’s aggressive pass rush, Bradbury’s leadership helped keep the offense composed and efficient enough to punch their ticket to the AFC title game.
This playoff run has been nothing short of magical for New England, and Bradbury’s role in it can’t be overstated. As they prepare for a showdown with Denver’s top-tier defense, the Patriots will be counting on their veteran center to once again set the tone in the trenches.
Drake Thomas, LB, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle didn’t just beat San Francisco - they dismantled them. In a 41-6 blowout that sent shockwaves through the NFC, the Seahawks defense looked every bit like a Super Bowl-caliber unit. And right in the middle of it all was second-year linebacker Drake Thomas.
Thomas was flying around the field, finishing with six tackles and one for loss while playing 70% of the defensive snaps. His instincts, speed, and physicality were on full display as Seattle suffocated the 49ers offense and forced three turnovers.
Now, with the Rams coming to town for the NFC Championship, Seattle is one win away from its first Super Bowl appearance since 2015. That team, of course, was led by another NC State product - Russell Wilson.
This time around, it’s Thomas and the Seahawks defense leading the charge. Slowing down Matthew Stafford won’t be easy, but if this unit plays like it did on Saturday, they’ll have more than a fighting chance.
Final Word
When the lights shine brightest, the Pack Pros show up. Thuney’s versatility, Durden’s disruption, Bradbury’s leadership, and Thomas’ playmaking all stood out in a weekend full of elite performances. As the road to the Super Bowl narrows, these former NC State stars aren’t just along for the ride - they’re helping drive the bus.
And with two Pack Pros still alive in the postseason, don’t be surprised if we see more Wolfpack fingerprints on Championship Sunday.