Kansas City Chiefs

PFF: De'Anthony Thomas is the Chiefs' secret superstar

Published Jun. 26, 2015 12:29 a.m. ET

foxsports

De'Anthony Thomas thinks he can really shine in his new wide receiving role.

Pro Football Focus agrees. The football analytics site crunched the numbers and listed Thomas as the Chiefs' "secret superstar" of 2015.

The site argues that the ex-Chiefs running back isn't truly swapping out positions. The Chiefs will still use him as a receiver, only this season, it's official.

PFF's Kevin Connaghan wrote: While Thomas's roster position has been officially switched from running back to wide receiver, that is purely semantics and unlikely to make any difference to his role. He lined up as a receiver on 83.9% of his offensive snaps in 2014, while lining up in the backfield on just 16.1% of his snaps.

Andy Reid had success converting a former running back to wideout in DexterMcCluster. DAT is just like McCluster -- except more fluid out of the slot and more explosive with the ball in his hands.

Wrote Connaghan: He has potential as a slot receiver if can develop his route running skills, if not, or until that point, he can continue to tear it up as a return man, and get his touches on offense through a steady diet of screens and jet sweeps. He isn't built to be a 20-touch-per-game player, but his dynamism means he should see more than the 3.1 touches he averaged as a rookie.

Defenses have to account for a playmaker like Thomas at all times. By 2016, DAT might not be a well-kept secret at all.

(h/t Arrowhead Pride)