De’Anthony Thomas worked out with Atlanta Falcons
Oregon Ducks running back DeAnthony Thomas works out in front of NFL scouts during the Oregon Pro Day. Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons are always in the market for more playmakers, and they could have an aggressive 2014 NFL Draft planned out after an incredibly disappointing 2013 season that saw them fall from Super Bowl contenders to bottom-feeders in the NFC. They will surely bounce back in 2014 with a much healthier team, and it will be interesting to see if they choose to trade up for Jadeveon Clowney or stay put with the sixth pick and draft a standout offensive tackle to beef up their offensive line.
Regardless of what they do in the first round, they could decide to make former Oregon Ducks star RB/WR De’Anthony Thomas their pick in the middle rounds of the 2014 NFL Draft. Per a source close to the National Football Post’s Aaron Wilson, the Falcons had a private workout with “The Black Mamba” yesterday.
Thomas has size and durability concerns, but those pale in comparison to his incredible speed, explosiveness, and agility. A playmaker in every sense, DAT was one of the most dangerous players in college football at Oregon, and he benefited from the Ducks emphasis on putting playmakers in space. When he had the ball in his hands as a rusher, receiver, or returner, defenses felt the palpable fear of going up against the fastest and most agile player in the country. Although the Falcons already signed legendary returner Devin Hester this offseason, they could use a playmaker like Thomas on the offensive side of the ball, and he could be worth the flier for a team that is always looking to add more playmakers.
He might not be able to hold up in the NFL and could end up being a gimmick player, but he could also end up being a great, deadly wrinkle for a high-powered offense.