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Tanner McEvoy was many things for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2015. He played quarterback, moonlighted as a running back, played wide receiver and also played every game at free safety.
Not bad, huh?
Funny thing is, when you wear that many hats, how do you know what you're best at? He's played a season and a half at safety, half a season at quarterback and a season as a part-time wide receiver. Unfortunately, we know one thing: he won't play quarterback in the NFL. His 8-of-24 performance to the tune of 50 yards and two interceptions against LSU told us that. However, he looked much more promising at safety and even wide receiver.
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In 2015, McEvoy rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns on 17 attempts (really, there were three touchdowns including the robbery in the Holiday Bowl). He had 10 receptions for 109 yards, and had 42 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and six interceptions. This is such an impressive/odd stat line that it's left most NFL teams split on where to project him. Is he a wide receiver? Should they give him a try as a flex tight end? Can he play safety in the NFL? He's such an anomaly, both physically and in his production, that he's very unique.
At the Badgers' pro day on March 9, McEvoy said that teams were looking at him "both as a wide receiver, as well as a centerfielder safety."
McEvoy chose to not run his 40-yard dash, due to a knee issue that was "likely just some tendinitis."
Tanner McEvoy, ATH
Height: 6060
Weight: 223
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical jump: 33.5"
Broad jump: 9'9"
Pro agility: 4.25
3-cone drill: 6.84
Bench press: 16
Strengths: Possesses a big frame, will be able to add weight if needed. Fluid athlete. Good speed for an athlete his size. Showed nice hands at receiver, catching the ball with his hands rather than his chest in limited opportunities. Shows nice vision as a runner. A long strider, has nice top speed. Delivers a blow to the ball carrier. Plays the ball well while in the air. A willing run defender. Has positional versatility.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have extensive experience at any position. A bit of a "jack of all trades, master of none." Though a willing run defender, not a great tackler. Inconsistent in the open field. At times takes poor angles both tackling and in coverage, something that will come with experience and reps at the position. Doesn't excel against press coverage as a receiver, as you'd hope someone his size would.
Overall: McEvoy is such an odd prospect. What position does he play? He's an athlete that should be on the field, but it's worrisome that he hasn't made one overly obvious. He's a bit of a projection at any spot, which is a bit scary. He's a plus athlete for his size and frame, but his size doesn't translate to physicality on the field. Ultimately, on offense or defense, I don't think he's a guy who makes the original 53-man roster, and he might need a practice squad to develop on for a year or two, but could become a valuable piece on either side of the ball.
Projection: Round 7 or undrafted