Wisconsin Football: Tanner McEvoy’s NFL Draft Profile

NFL Draft Profile: How former Wisconsin football athlete Tanner McEvoy looks heading into the draft

The NFL Draft is fast approaching at the end of April, and former Wisconsin football players are hard at work trying to earn a spot on an NFL team. Among them is Tanner McEvoy, who hopes to continue his career at the next level.

McEvoy heads into draft season trying to convince NFL teams his raw athleticism and size are enough to take a chance on in the draft or free agency.

Since he has played multiple positions in college, McEvoy can give a team versatility on offense or defense, depending on how that team sees his best use.

In his Wisconsin career, McEvoy has completed 65 of 112 passes for 709 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions, rushed for 706 yards and eight touchdowns on 82 carries, and caught 10 passes for 109 yards.

On defense, McEvoy has 74 career tackles (45 solo), 17 passes defended and six interceptions.

Last year brought to a close one of the more fascinating Wisconsin football careers of any recent Badgers player, and McEvoy wants to keep things going at the professional level.

Here’s a look at what NFL teams will see about McEvoy heading into the 2016 NFL Draft.

Measurables:

Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 229 pounds
Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches
Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
Three-cone drill: 6.84 seconds
20-yard shuttle: 4.25 seconds
60-yard shuttle: 11.22 seconds
Bench press: 16 reps (225 pounds)

(Drills run at Wisconsin’s pro day)

Strengths: Size, speed, versatility

McEvoy’s biggest upside is his physical tools and his ability to play at multiple positions. He’s a big body at 6-foot-6, and has proven to be mobile on both offense and defense.

Over the course of his three seasons at Wisconsin, McEvoy started games at quarterback, safety and wide receiver. He started two ways as a senior at wide receiver and safety, and still played a little quarterback in wildcat packages.

His ability to play multiple positions will give NFL teams plenty to think about as they plan how he could be used at the next level.

We didn’t get a chance to see McEvoy’s speed at Wisconsin’s pro day, as the senior decided not to run the 40-yard dash because of an injury.

He’s proven to have great speed in the open field and it shows on his game film.

Weaknesses: Lack of true position

One of McEvoy’s strengths – his versatility – will also hurt him in draft season.

Because he’s spent so much time bouncing back and forth between positions, an argument can be made he never had a chance to truly excel at one.

Luckily for McEvoy, raw athleticism alone has helped other NFL prospects, and someone will give the young man a shot to prove himself in training camp.

Last impression:

In the Badgers last time out – the Holiday Bowl against USC, McEvoy rushed four times for 25 yards and three tackles (two solo).

Most will remember McEvoy’s run that wasn’t, as he took a wildcat snap up the sideline for what looked to be a long touchdown to give the Badgers a lead when trailing 21-20.

A controversial call, McEvoy was whistled out of bounds after a 19-yard pickup, and the Badgers drive stalled.

Wisconsin, though, pulled out a 23-21 victory.

Final word:

McEvoy will likely have to prove himself to an NFL team in training camp.

He has the physical skills to make an impact at one of several positions, but does he excel enough at one to be on a team?

Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted an NFL scout as saying: “I’d like to have him and work with him and figure it out as a practice-squad player. Let him play wide receiver a little bit and rep a bit more at safety and see if he can stick anywhere.”

Next: Post Combine NFL Mock Draft

An NFL team could find a potential contributor in McEvoy if they have the time and patience to let him develop in whatever role they see him fitting best.