2. WR/KR De’Anthony Thomas
Speed kills in the NFL, and the Packers currently only have one speedy kick returner on their roster in receiver Trevor Davis. Free-agent receiver/return man De’Anthony Thomas would be a welcomed addition to the receiver room. Thomas would be brought in specifically for his return ability, but he still offers upside as a gadget player who can run end-arounds and catch bubble screens.
Thomas (5-9, 175 pounds) was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. A former five-star recruit out of high school, Thomas gained plenty of recognition for his versatility as both a receiver, returner and running back at Oregon. Of his 356 touches, he scored 41 total touchdowns in college. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day.
On Thomas’ 93 career touches in the NFL, he’s averaged 7.4 yards per touch with six total touchdowns. He’s played in just 55 of a possible 80 games in his career, though. Injuries have been a real concern, especially after Thomas played in a career-low five games in 2018. That said, he isn’t much different than Green Bay’s current kick returner, Davis, who’s also had an injury-riddled career.
Thomas can be compared similarly to Tavon Austin in that both are seemingly position-less in the NFL. Both are small, shifty playmakers who can take the ball to the house anytime they touch it. Thomas has a career average of 24.8 yards per return on 51 returns.