NFL Draft Profiles: Running Backs To Keep An Eye On
By Ben Nielsen
Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Tyler Gaffney (25) carries the ball under pressure from Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darqueze Dennard (31) during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
TYLER GAFFNEY
HEIGHT: 6-0 WEIGHT: 220 COLLEGE: Stanford
40 TIME: 4.49 3-CONE: 6.78 BROAD: 9’8″
CAREER STATS: 2,500 yards, 5.1 ypc; 32 catches, 264 yards, 8.3 ypc; 37 TD
Tyler Gaffney is another mid-t0-late round draft pick who the Chiefs could find appealing.
Gaffney may be the best fit as a third running back because of his versatility. He can be a good receiver, runner, a special teams player, and is one of those nose to the ground hard workers. There are a lot of traits there that teams like for players at the back end of the roster.
This isn’t to say Gaffney isn’t a great athlete, however. Quickness is an underrated part of his game that is disguised with his physical running style. Getting to the edge isn’t an issue for him and he can be a useful receiver out of the backfield. All of this, of course, is within the context of him being a third back. He’s likely not a starting running back in the NFL.
Gaffney is a Stanford guy so their’s always going to be the connection between him and being smart. This could prove useful given Reid’s complicated scheme. It may also make him a potential candidate at fullback.
Here’s what Brugler had to say about Gafrney.
"Solidly-built with good body strength. Balanced runner with admirable toughness to shake and slide off tacklers. Runs hard and physical and would rather go through defenders than around them – will deliver hits with a strong stiff arm and often fall forward. Coordinated athlete with light feet. Tough at the point of attack and not easy to bring down with arm tackles. Strong inside runner and a very smart and assignment sound runner to stay in his lane. Churns out yards as a workhorse back and runs the same late in games as he does in the 1st quarter. Gives up his frame as a blocker. Ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Productive senior season and finished top-10 in the FBS in rushing yards (1,709) and rushing scores (21) despite not playing football in 2012. Dedicated and hard-working athlete and gets the most out of his body and ability."