After a busy draft featuring nine overall selections at seemingly every position on the field, the Chiefs have made their final choice in the 2011 NFL Draft with fullback Shane Bannon from Yale University. The Ivy League product flew under the radar for most teams, even for his own agent, yet once they came on campus or watched the tape, there was proof positive that an NFL future awaited of some kind.
As Jim Fuller of the New Haven Register notes, “In the last week, Bannon has been touted as one of the sleepers among non-Football Bowl Subdivision players. A 4.69 40-yard dash, which the 265-pound Bannon ran at the first of his two pro days in March, will tend to open some eyes.” In other words, Bannon is that classic small school, final round pick that offers promise at the very least. With solid size, speed and work ethic, there’s no reason Bannon can’t help immediately on special teams.
Overall the Chiefs identified the same needs as most experts and fans would have and filled them with impressive prospects. Bannon is the last in line of a strong group, and most should be pleased with another solid draft by Scott Pioli and company.