De’Anthony Thomas, RB/KR, Oregon


Chiefs, Round 4. Was a junior. I expected him to go a little earlier than he did because of his pure speed, but he isn’t built for a feature back role. Will have to be part of a committee approach on the Chiefs, especially since they have Jamaal Charles ahead of him. Luckily for him, Charles is probably the only Chiefs back ahead of him. If he can learn how to block and show a willingness at it, he could be a very effective third-down back for the team – a Darren Sproles in the making.

Positives: Runs with great speed and also ran track for his school. Very good burst, quickness, and ability to change directions. Very good stop-and-start ability. Has very good balance and is nimble after catches on the sidelines. Good, natural hands. Has good body control and can extend and adjust very well to off-target passes. Generally good routes and is very crisp in and out of his breaks. After the catch, he picks his way through traffic very well and with good agility and creativity. Decisive on kick returns, and heads upfield very quickly with very little east-west motion. Willing and adequate blocker on kick return.

Negatives: Short for the position, with a very slim build. Small hands. Week upper body. Not very effective on runs between the tackles, and runs too upright up the middle. At times, he runs a little bit out of control. Cuts some of his routes short. Has a history of poor blocking. Injured right ankle in September 2013 and missed three games, and was affected by it all year.

Projection: Draft in the 3rd round in dynasty rookie drafts – higher if return yardage is counted.

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