Kansas City Chiefs 2014 Draft Recap: Fan Grade Poll
By John Viril
Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs selected RB, De’Anthony Thomas, with the 124th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft Saturday (4th round). Thomas looks to be a replacement for Dexter McCluster who signed with Tennessee as a free agent this year. Thomas was projected as a 5th-6th round pick so some view it as a reach.
With David Yankey and Peierre Desir still on the board, Kansas city could have added depth to their OL or secondary but Kansas City opted to replace McCluster. Thomas was a college sprinter and should be able to come in and contribute to special teams immediately.
Nolan Nawrocki of NFL.com had some good things to say about Thomas
"Has legit big-time sprinter’s speed with very quick turnover (and is field-fast). Cat-quick to the corner, accelerates very quickly and can easily take the perimter. Good vision and cutback ability — is patient and follows his blocks. Can tightrope-walk the sideline. Very quick to and through the hole once he sees a crease and can stick his foot in the dirt and go. Catches in stride with ease and can make difficult one-handed snags (see Arizona). Has home-run speed in the return game, with 3 career return TDs."
Thomas will also come in and compete with Cyrus Gray for the third running back spot on the Chiefs roster. Many people expect a WR with this pick but Andy Reid must have seen something in Thomas that he could utilize more than any of the WR left in the draft.
I love the De’Anthony Thomas pick. I live in Tucson and saw him play live against the University of Arizona in Pac-12 play. The guy is pure speed and elusiveness. He brings far more game-breaking ability than McCluster, who is more quick than fast.
At 5-9 174, Thomas can’t endure too much punishment. But he should liven up the Andy Reid offense. I think he can be very useful on misdirection plays while paired with Jamaal Charles to provide horizontal stretch to defenses.