Fullback/h-back Shane Bannon became the first Yale player taken in the NFL draft since 2004 when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him in the seventh round on Saturday.

Bannon had 13 catches and as a lead blocker helped open holes for running backs Alex Thomas and Mordecai Cargill. However, it was after the season ended when Bannon really made himself into an NFL prospect. Working out alongside Chris Blohm, Adam Money and Sean Williams, Bannon managed to get bigger and faster. When he ran a 4.69 in the 40-yard dash during a pro day in Tolland last month, his stock began to soar.

Ironically, 10 years ago defensive back Than Merrill was taken by Tampa Bay with pick No. 223 while Eric Johnson was taken 224th overall by the San Francisco 49ers.

Bannon is the first Yale player drafted since Tampa Bay took tight end Nate Lawrie in the sixth round of the 2004 draft and 28th player from Yale taken in the draft.

Yale could have two other players drafted as defensive end Tom McCarthy and tight end Chris Blohm have drawn interest from NFL teams following impressive pro day performances.