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The Kansas City Chiefs have signed running back/receiver/returner De'Anthony Thomas out of the University of Oregon to his rookie contract, according to Adam Teicher.
Thomas is expected to make $2,640,108 on the four-year contract. The deal is predictable thanks to the rookie wage scale that came into effect during the last collective bargaining agreement back in 2011.
Kansas City took Thomas in the fourth round with its third pick overall, hoping to get a playmaker in the same mold of Dexter McCluster. Thomas projects to be a returner off the bat, along with seeing some snaps as a running back and receiver in the slot as he adapts to the west coast offense run by Andy Reid.
Herbie has a sort of update on DAT's position:
As of now, I'm informed the #Chiefs will list De'Anthony Thomas as a running back/specialist.
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) May 16, 2014
Thomas is a speedster, something very apparent if you watch any of his highlights (here is the link to an epic 32-minute film). At the NFL Combine in February, Thomas ran a disappointing 4.5 40-yard dash, but it was something which did not concern the Chiefs, as can be read in this excellent piece by the Star's Terez Paylor.
The Chiefs remaining unsigned draft picks are QB Aaron Murray and first round pick DE Dee Ford.
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