Chiefs De'Anthony Thomas now more of a WR than a RB - Page 4

**The Franchise** · 06-02-2015, 02:12 PM

http://espn.go.com/blog/kansas-city-...er-than-a-back

Quote:

De'Anthony Thomas now more of a receiver than a back

Adam Teicher, ESPN Staff Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Perhaps in a nod to his limitations as a running back, the Kansas City Chiefs made a subtle shift with De'Anthony Thomas when offseason practice started last week.

Thomas now works in practice with the wide receivers and goes to their positional meetings. He worked with the running backs last season as a rookie.

Opponents will likely see more of De'Anthony Thomas catching the ball as a receiver for the Chiefs in 2015 than they did last season. AP Photo/Colin E. Braley
Thomas can still line up in a variety of places, including running back. But the move means the Chiefs intend to utilize Thomas more as a receiver and less as a runner. He played some of both last season.

"It makes me more valuable to the offense," Thomas said. "It lets defenses look for me, see where I'm at on the field. It just gives them a different look. I believe it's a great thing."

In the backfield, Thomas could be a liability. He's only 5-8 and 176 pounds, which makes him an easy and inviting target to blitzing linebackers and safety.

As a receiver, Thomas is not such an easy target. Opponents can try to jam him at the line of scrimmage but there's a problem with that because of how fast Thomas is.

"You've got to respect his speed," cornerback Sean Smith said. "You don't want that kind of speed running by you. Me, personally, I'm a bigger guy. I have to get out there and bail a little early so routes like hitches and curls [are] big for him.

"Those little, short routes are going to be open all day."

At 6-3 and 218 pounds, Smith has Thomas by more than a half-foot and about 40 pounds. At the line, Smith could bury Thomas. But that's easier than it might sound.

"That's the plan until you miss," Smith said. "It's a track meet from there. You don't want to be chasing [Thomas]."

Thomas didn't sound worried about matchups with big cornerbacks like Smith.

"I'd just step back a little bit, give him a little wiggle off the line and then go," he said.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-03-2015, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

No.

And it really depends upon how effective Reid is in getting him into the playbook.

Thomas is a 5'9", 175 lb. dude. He's fast. He's not light speed fast though. He's agile. He's not strong. He's slight of frame and will likely never be much bigger than he is now. He's got tools, but he's got a long way to go in terms of being anything more than a gadget player and I've got serious doubts that he'll be anything but, even in an offense geared to find him ways to touch the ball.

He's not DeSean Jackson. He's not that good. He's not that fast and he doesn't have his hands. And he's several inches shorter than DeSean.

He's more dynamic than McCluster, but I'm not sure he's as tough.

He's not as thick as Dante Hall. It will be interesting to see if he can take the beating on a weekly basis.

I think he's got the potential to sit in-between Jackson and McCluster in terms of what he gives the team. And that's a pretty big window. Hopefully it's more towards Jackson, but I'm not going to be surprised or shocked if it actually ends up being closer to McCluster.

That seals it: Chiefs Hall of Famer

Psyko Tek · 06-03-2015, 01:03 AM

WHY ISN"T THIS A STICKY
this could be news to anybody that has never watched football
GET ON THIS
SOMEBODY PM BOB DOLE
jebus out sourcing news ain't working well

**RealSNR** · 06-03-2015, 01:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saccopoo

No.

And it really depends upon how effective Reid is in getting him into the playbook.

Thomas is a 5'9", 175 lb. dude. He's fast. He's not light speed fast though. He's agile. He's not strong. He's slight of frame and will likely never be much bigger than he is now. He's got tools, but he's got a long way to go in terms of being anything more than a gadget player and I've got serious doubts that he'll be anything but, even in an offense geared to find him ways to touch the ball.

He's not DeSean Jackson. He's not that good. He's not that fast and he doesn't have his hands. And he's several inches shorter than DeSean.

He's more dynamic than McCluster, but I'm not sure he's as tough.

He's not as thick as Dante Hall. It will be interesting to see if he can take the beating on a weekly basis.

I think he's got the potential to sit in-between Jackson and McCluster in terms of what he gives the team. And that's a pretty big window. Hopefully it's more towards Jackson, but I'm not going to be surprised or shocked if it actually ends up being closer to McCluster.

Not light speed fast?

He's in the top .5% of players in the NFL in terms of speed. Have you ****ing watched this guy play?

He's a **** ton faster, quicker, and more agile than Dexter McShit**** ever was

Dunerdr · 06-03-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Not light speed fast?

He's in the top .5% of players in the NFL in terms of speed. Have you ****ing watched this guy play?

He's a **** ton faster, quicker, and more agile than Dexter McShit**** ever was

His biggest problem last season was out running his blockers. But he's not that fast...

**BossChief** · 06-03-2015, 08:03 AM

Dexter was a possession receiver that couldn't get away from anyone due to lacking breakaway speed. Great acceleration, low top end.

Thomas has the same acceleration and quickness, but adds elusiveness and breakaway speed to the skill set.

With all the raw speed on this offense, Alex Smith needs to come out of his shell and by years end should be dropping bombs on teams. Consistently.

Maclin is a 4.4 guy
Wilson runs a 4.3
Thomas runs a 4.3
Conley runs a 4.3
Charles runs a 4.3
Davis runs a 4.3

There can't be many teams that have the type of speed across the board to match up to our skill positions.

**loochy** · 06-03-2015, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Dexter was a possession receiver that couldn't get away from anyone due to lacking breakaway speed. Great acceleration, low top end.

Thomas has the same acceleration and quickness, but adds elusiveness and breakaway speed to the skill set.

With all the raw speed on this offense, Alex Smith needs to come out of his shell and by years end should be dropping bombs on teams. Consistently.

Maclin is a 4.4 guy
Wilson runs a 4.3
Thomas runs a 4.3
Conley runs a 4.3
Charles runs a 4.3
Davis runs a 4.3

There can't be many teams that have the type of speed across the board to match up to our skill positions.

With that kind of speed, they'll outrun Alex's range even quicker.

**BossChief** · 06-03-2015, 08:34 AM

I know you said that in jest, Loochy, but I'm betting Alex takes a HUGE step forward this year.

I'm probably the only guy on the site thinking Alex tops 4000 yards.

**loochy** · 06-03-2015, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I know you said that in jest, Loochy, but I'm betting Alex takes a HUGE step forward this year.

I'm probably the only guy on the site thinking Alex tops 4000 yards.

I don't know about 4000 yards. I think his long pass frequency and yardage totals will increase, but I bet they just use that as a tool to open up the running game.

**HemiEd** · 06-03-2015, 08:40 AM

Since linemen aren't eligible, they need to go to a 5 wr set, then Alex will be forced to use a wr as a target if he is going to throw the ball.

**loochy** · 06-03-2015, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Since linemen aren't eligible, they need to go to a 5 wr set, then Alex will be forced to use a wr as a target if he is going to throw the ball.

oline can't hold up without the extra help

Sandy Vagina · 06-03-2015, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loochy

With that kind of speed, they'll outrun Alex's range even quicker.

or not...

Sandy Vagina · 06-03-2015, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HemiEd

Since linemen aren't eligible, they need to go to a 5 wr set, then Alex will be forced to use a wr as a target if he is going to throw the ball.

He targeted Dwayne Bowe more than any other player in both 2013 and 2014.

**loochy** · 06-03-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

He targeted Dwayne Bowe more than any other player in both 2013 and 2014.

and that combination worked out for many points

**loochy** · 06-03-2015, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

or not...

OMG did my goofy little quip about Alex offend you?

Urc Burry · 06-03-2015, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

or not...

06-03-2015, 01:03 AM	#47
Psyko Tek special teams Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mesa AZ Casino cash: $10015665	WHY ISN"T THIS A STICKY this could be news to anybody that has never watched football GET ON THIS SOMEBODY PM BOB DOLE jebus out sourcing news ain't working well __________________ Psyko Tek The keyboard has been drinking,
Posts: 12,018

06-03-2015, 08:03 AM	#50
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1794088	Dexter was a possession receiver that couldn't get away from anyone due to lacking breakaway speed. Great acceleration, low top end. Thomas has the same acceleration and quickness, but adds elusiveness and breakaway speed to the skill set. With all the raw speed on this offense, Alex Smith needs to come out of his shell and by years end should be dropping bombs on teams. Consistently. Maclin is a 4.4 guy Wilson runs a 4.3 Thomas runs a 4.3 Conley runs a 4.3 Charles runs a 4.3 Davis runs a 4.3 There can't be many teams that have the type of speed across the board to match up to our skill positions. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,140

06-03-2015, 08:34 AM	#52
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1794088	I know you said that in jest, Loochy, but I'm betting Alex takes a HUGE step forward this year. I'm probably the only guy on the site thinking Alex tops 4000 yards. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,140

06-03-2015, 08:40 AM	#54
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $3200564	Since linemen aren't eligible, they need to go to a 5 wr set, then Alex will be forced to use a wr as a target if he is going to throw the ball.
Posts: 33,441