De'Anthony Thomas
RB, Oregon · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 4, pick #124 (KAN)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age. Details below.
- Age
21 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #114 (#10 at his position), close to where he went (#124).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Oregon: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 174 lbs: faster than 91% of RBs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
RB (RB group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 46.1% of the time (501 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 69 of ~96 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2019 (~72%). Last NFL season: 2019.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 69 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 7 |
| Rushing | 31 att, 191 yds, 2 TD |
| Receiving | 65 rec, 509 yds, 4 TD |
| Defense | 12 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2019 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position RB | 46.1% n=501 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 9", 174 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.39 s |
| Bench press | 8 reps |
| Vertical | 32" |
| Broad jump | 124" |
| Arm / hand | 29.7" / 8.1" |
| Age at draft | 21 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #114 overall (#10 RB) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 121 | Carl Bradford | redraft #215 |
| 122 | Marqueston Huff | redraft #157 |
| 123 | Kevin Norwood | redraft #200 |
| 125 | Walt Aikens | redraft #136 |
| 126 | Khairi Fortt | redraft #223 |
| 127 | Pierre Desir | redraft #86 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.