2014 NFL Draft: De’Anthony Thomas to visit Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are looking to find a backup to workhorse running back Matt Forte following the offseason release of Michael Bush and are expected to consider drafting a back in the middle portion of the 2014 NFL draft, and that guy could be former Oregon Ducks playmaker De’Anthony Thomas who will visit the team on Tuesday.
Oregon RB De'Anthony Thomas visiting with Bears tomorrow in Chicago, per source. Worked out for the Falcons two weeks ago.
— Ross Jones (@RossMikeJones) April 7, 2014
At 5-9, 176-pounds Thomas is not your traditional running back, but what he brings to the football field is big-play ability and can be an electrifying return man, another area the Bears need to address after letting Devin Hester free agency.
During his three years at Oregon, Thomas averaged 8.9 yards per touch, scoring 41 touchdowns and returned four kicks and one punt back for a score.
He could play a role similar to what Darren Sproles has done throughout his career and be a deadly option as a receiver out of the backfield or the slot and receive a handful of carries a game as a change-of-pace option to Forte while handling kickoff and punt return duties.
After addressing their needs on defense, Thomas could be a fantastic pick in the fourth round if he’s on the board for the Bears.