2014 NFL Draft: Running Back Prospects You Should Know
Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Oregon Ducks running back De
De’Anthony Thomas – 5’9 173lbs – Oregon University
Thomas had a slow start to his college career but that was through no fault of his own. He was the third running back in 2011, carrying the ball behind the likes of LeMichael James and Kenjon Barner, both of whom now have careers in the NFL. Even so, in 2011, he got 55 carries for 595 yards and seven touchdowns. That’s an average of 10.8 yards per carry. This year Thomas is splitting carries with a bigger back in Byron Marshall, but is still getting his touches. In an offense like Oregon’s, there is no number one player at nearly every position. The pace is so fast, even the most conditioned athletes need a rest from time to time. Thomas could be the fastest player in the NCAA with a projected 40 time in the 4.3’s. He is also a very valuable special team’s player returning punts and kicks. He’s returned one of each for a touchdown this season. My only issue is his size. It’s very hard for a running back his size to make an impact in the NFL, at least right off the bat. The term “electrifying” might intrigue some people, but not most general managers. Tavon Austin, for example, was the most “electrifying” player in college football last year and was taken 8th overall in the 2013 NFL draft. So far this year, he has 24 receptions for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Not even close to his production in college and these two players are almost identical in size and speed. That’s not to say that there isn’t a place for Thomas in the NFL, only that I wouldn’t use a first or even second round pick on him. That being said, I think someone will most likely reach for him in the second round.