Chip Kelly knows what to do with fast, undersized running backs.

Which is why many see Philadelphia as the perfect landing spot for De’Anthony Thomas, who would love to reunite with his former Oregon coach in the NFL.

“I seen (Kelly) at the combine,” Thomas said. “We chit-chatted and that’s about it. He’s a great coach. Hopefully, if I do play for the Philadelphia Eagles it would be great.

“But any team I go to, I’m going to contribute and be a playmaker for that team.”

As Thomas was preparing to improve his draft stock during Oregon’s pro day on Thursday, the Eagles traded a fifth-round pick to New Orleans for Darren Sproles.

Sproles had 53 carries for the Saints last year, but the 5-foot-6, 190-pound blur caught 71 passes from Drew Brees and also returned kickoffs.

Thomas, measured at 5-9 and 174 pounds, believes that his versatility and speed will allow him to thrive at the next level, despite his diminutive frame.

“I have a different style of football than a lot of guys in the league,” Thomas said. “I have a new style that I bring into the league and I’m ready to show it.”

At the NFL Scouting Combine last month, Thomas didn’t exactly bring TrackTown to Indianapolis. His official time in the 40-yard dash was a disappointing 4.50.

Jadeveon Clowney, who could be the No. 1 pick in the draft, ran a 4.53. A viral video superimposed the South Carolina defensive end’s sprint on top of Thomas’ effort.

“I feel like a lot of people put chili on it,” Thomas said. “Everybody had their own opinion on it.”

Back on the familiar turf inside the Moshofsky Center, Thomas was credited with a 4.39 40, which he ran in front of about 25 NFL scouts and representatives.

“I know I ran faster than 4.5,” Thomas said. “I ran 4.5 in ninth grade, so it was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’ But I feel like it made me train harder and I just used it as motivation. …

“I feel like it went great. Just another day in the Mo.”

Thomas said teams have expressed interest in his services as running back, wide receiver and kick returner. He also competed in the 20-yard shuttle (4.23), 60-yard shuttle (11.46), three-cone drill (6.95), broad jump (10-3) and benched 225 pounds 10 times.

“It’s been a grind, you know, just training and training and training,” Thomas said. “That’s about it. Staying healthy and just chasing my dreams. … I’m just ready to play in the NFL.”

Aliotti’s underdogs

Former Oregon defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti watched a handful of his former players audition for the NFL. Cornerback Terrance Mitchell, safeties Avery Patterson and Brian Jackson, and defensive linemen Taylor Hart, Ricky Havili-Heimuli and Wade Keliikipi all participated in the pro day.

“He’s been calling me and checking on me,” Patterson said of Aliotti, who retired after Oregon’s dominant defensive effort in the Alamo Bowl victory over Texas. “We’re going to be lifelong friends. I know he’ll always have my back in any situation. I was thrilled to see him during my defensive drills.”

Hart attended the NFL Scouting Combine, where he bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times but was unable to run because of a foot injury. The 6-6, 281-pound senior ran a 4.81 40 on Thursday.

While Hart is considered a possible mid-round selection, the other Duck defenders are projected as late-round picks or undrafted free agents.

“If I get a shot, then I’m going to make the most of it,” Jackson said. “I prepared a lot for this day, and I still feel like I could’ve done a little better, but there’s nothing you can do about it now and that’s all behind me.”

Mitchell, who left Oregon with one year of eligibility left, ran a 4.52 40 in Eugene after an official time of 4.63 in Indianapolis. Patterson, Jackson, Havili-Heimuli and Keliikipi were not invited to the combine.

“It’s definitely a little nerve racking,” Patterson said. “It’s your job interview for the next level. If you just focus in and treat it like a game and have fun, it settles down. That’s what I feel like I did towards the end, just treated it like another day.”

Boseko a no go

Boseko Lokombo watched his teammates but was unable to participate. The former Oregon linebacker had surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum three weeks ago, a procedure that had been planned before his solid performance at the combine.

“It was a cool experience for me,” Lokombo said. “I like the business aspect of it.”

Lokombo said he expects to be healed by June and cleared for contact when NFL training camps open in July.

Notable

Josh Huff also improved on his 40 time of 4.51 seconds from Indianapolis with a 4.43 on Thursday. Two scouts from the New York Jets, a team that could use some more help at wide receiver, talked to Huff at length after the performance. … Two other former Duck receivers, Daryle Hawkins (2013) and Lavasier Tuinei (2011), also participated, along with offensive lineman Everett Benyard and long snapper Drew Howell. … Ex-Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla was not at the Moshofsky Center but did work out again for scouts during Portland State’s pro day on Wednesday.

Follow Ryan on Twitter @rgduckfootball. Email ryan.thorburn@registerguard.com.