The New York Jets are reportedly setting their sights on Oregon Ducks running back De'Anthony Thomas in the upcoming NFL Entry Draft, a reliable league source reported on Sunday.

The Jets, needing to boost up their offensive firepower, could make a gamble on Thomas, who is getting Darren Sproles comparisons and is projected as a second to middle round pick in the upcoming draft.

According to Luis Tirado Jr. of Rant Sports, Thomas might be the impact player the Jets have been looking for in the backfield. The Jets played the entire 2013 season without a consistent offensive weapon around Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith; they depended heavily on their defense to come up with an acceptable 8-8 slate.

"Oregon running back De'Anthony Thomas would fit this bill [as Jets runningback] and more with his interesting style of play. He's very talented in that he can be incredibly fast once he gets the football and can catch pretty well, running across the field to create mismatches on defense," Rant Sports reported.

"Many compare him to Darren Sproles, which is a great compliment to be told as a running back waiting to be drafted by an NFL team."

Considering Thomas, 21, has covered 1,890 yards on 243 carries with 26 touchdowns in three years at Oregon, and also proven himself as a punt/kickoff returner, recording more than 1,500 yards with five touchdown returns, he can certainly provide the Jets some insurance incase newly-acquired returner Jacoby Ford gets sidelined due to injuries.

Denver Broncos Also Looking for Thomas

Losing running back Knowshon Moreno is certainly a big blow to the Denver Broncos offense. However, with a talent like Thomas available in the draft, the defending NFC champion is expected to have a closer look at the Ducks speedster as they try to add more rushing weapons in case Montee Ball can't live up to the hype.

Moreover, Thomas' above-average pass-blocking skills would benefit quarterback Peyton Manning, who will surely miss Moreno in the backfield. Thomas is also a solid catcher who can give Manning another option in the Broncos' high-octane passing game.