A Tank In The Middle

There are a lot of new things in store for the Kansas City Chiefs next season, including the institution of the 3-4 defense. In order for this scheme to work properly, you have to have an absolute 'Monster in the Middle' playing the Nose Tackle position. It looks like the Kansas City Chiefs 'Monster in the Middle' will be none other than Pack Alum Tank Tyler. While Tank will have to compete with veteran Ron Edwards, it would be hard to believe that the position isn't Tyler's to lose, considering he started over Edwards every game last season. The 'Monster in the Middle' has to have brute strength and size. To say that Tank fits that criteria is an understatement. Tank blew everyone away at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine when did 42 reps of 225 pounds on Bench Press, which led all participants. Let's just say that pushing 500 pounds on Bench is something that Tank can do with ease. The projected starting Defensive Line for the Chiefs looks to be rather young. With Tank manning the middle, last years 1st Round pick Glenn Dorsey will man one end, while this years 1st Round pick Tyson Jackson out of LSU will get the nod at the other end.

Next season Tank will be entering the third year of his rookie contract ($460,000) and in 2010 he will be a restricted free agent. The Chiefs have to be pleased with the way this 3rd round draft pick has panned out. After seeing action mainly as a reserve in 15 games during his rookie season, he came out last year and pulled the starting spot away from veteran Ron Edwards. Tyler showed promise last year, collecting 41 tackles, including 2 safeties. Many Pack fans will remember Tank's 2006 Senior campaign when he earned 1st Team All-ACC honors after collecting 87 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.

Tank is just scratching the surface of his potential. You will be hard pressed to find many 300+ pounders like Tank that can match his strength and athleticism. Don't worry Chiefs fans...I don't think you have anything to worry about with Tank in the Middle.