Versatile Phillip Tanner May Be the Chiefs Backup Running Back Answer in the 2011 NFL Draft
Bo Marchionte of NFLDraftBible.com is reporting that the Chiefs are among five teams to show interest in Middle Tennessee State RB Phillip Tanner.
Tanner is a compact 5'10" and 208 pounds. According to the Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post he ran a 4.55 40 at his Pro Day.
In 36 career games, despite splitting time in the backfield, Tanner gained 2,024 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground by averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He also hauled in 42 passes for 481 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Tanner is not projected to go off the draft board until the later rounds, or not at all. He may be an undrafted free agent. There is little doubt that he will be given a shot to make a team though.
Tanner has good hands, and can spend time at receiver. He is also a solid return man. Combine this with his excellent attitude and you have the perfect player for the bottom of depth charts. He is cheap, versatile and by all appearances has a terrific attitude.
Here is a good example from a quote by Tanner in an article by Carlos Holmes in the Dayton Daily News:
?My wife and I have talked about the draft process since it started,? Tanner said. ?Of course, everybody wants to hear their name called on draft day, but that?s not always the case. All I need is one shot, drafted or not. I just need one team to say here?s an opportunity to make our team. What I want is an opportunity not a handout. Once I?m there, I?ll prove myself. My mindset is to score or move the chains whenever I touch the ball.?
I'd expect that a team drafts this young man in the seventh-round and then give him a chance to fill multiple spots at the bottom of their roster. For the Chiefs he could possibly be a good change of pace back for Jamaal Charles.
For Bleacher Report's full draft coverage of all teams be sure to check out the NFL Draft Center.
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