Tank

Tyler

Terms weren’t disclosed. Tyler’s skills align perfectly with what is normally required from a run-stuffing Tampa 2 nose tackle, but he could struggle for playing time behind the more experienced Ron Edwards and Alfonso Boone.

At 6'2/306, he’s small for the position. It’s hard to imagine Tyler commanding any double teams, or the Chiefs’ run defense being remotely stout in 2009.

The 2007 third-round pick started all 16 games in 2008, but has only started two games this season after the Chiefs switched to the 3-4 defense. He will help a depleted Carolina defensive line.

Dorsey will reportedly miss Kansas City’s first exhibition game, but could be back for Week 2 of the preseason. Tank Tyler will replace him in the lineup.

Edwards has been solid if unspectacular, but the Chiefs’ youth movement on defense is placing more value on potential. Earlier in camp, Turk McBride replaced veteran Alfonso Boone as the starting left end. The Chiefs teach a “read and react” scheme, killing the IDP stock of their interior down linemen.

Tyler showed promise in his brief stint with Carolina after coming over in a trade from K.C., quickly passing Nick Hayden on the depth chart and helping as a substitute run stopper. He should have a place on the club in 2010.

Veteran Colts castoff Ed Johnson should enter the mix during training camp, but this remains a subpar cast on the interior. The Panthers will once again have trouble stopping the run in 2010.

Tyler was a third-round pick in 2007 and won’t intrigue teams after three disappointing seasons in the NFL. He’ll fight for a roster spot in Carolina.

Tyler showed improvement as a rotational run stopper after coming over from the Chiefs in October. With veteran Hollis Thomas no longer in the Panthers’ plans, Tyler could land a starting job in 2010.