The Buffalo Bills announced on Tuesday that Iowa inside linebacker Jeff Tarpinian visited One Bills Drive. Tarpinian is the third inside linebacker to meet with the Bills prior to the 2011 NFl Draft, joining Kelvin Sheppard and Quan Sturdivant.
Tarpinian, a converted defensive back, had an excellent pro day last month, where the 235-pound senior ran a sub-4.55-second 40-yard dash and excelled in agility drills. He is still, however, forecasted only as a late-round pick, or perhaps a priority free agent.
His injury history raises red flags, as the Hawkeye missed time in each of his four seasons, with various injuries from broken bones to strained muscles. While not likely to come in and start for an NFL team, Tarpinian could add versatility as a special teamer which fits the mold of what Chan Gailey stated he wants in his backup linebackers.
Here's a video from his junior year when he crushed Michigan's kickoff returner, forcing a fumble.