Player: Jeremy Banks
School: Tennessee
Measurables:
- Height: 6’1” (NFL Combine)
- Weight: 232 (NFL Combine)
- 40: 4.53 (NFL Combine)
- 10 Yard Split: 1.56 (NFL Combine)
- Bench: 25 (NFL Combine)
- Vertical Jump: 37.5” (NFL Combine)
- Broad Jump: 10’7” (NFL Combine)
- 3 Cone: 7.27 (NFL Combine)
- 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.38 (NFL Combine)
Graded Position Specific Traits:
- Run Support: 6/10
- Tackling: 6.5/10
- Field Vision: 6.5/10
- Man Coverage: 6/10
- Zone Coverage: 5.5/10
- Blitzing: 6.5/10
- Block Shedding: 5.75/10
- Range: 5.75/10
Prospect Grade: 48.5/80; 60.6%- Role player and borderline starter with potential to be great starter
Projected Draft Day: Late Round 3- Round 5
Player Comparison: Willie Gay Jr.
Player Summary:
Banks is a linebacker prospect that doesn’t get enough credit as a purely football player. Banks is not a perfect prospect obviously, just look at his grade. He is however an intriguing prospect that should go earlier than most people project. I think Banks flashes the ability to be a great three down linebacker, but there are things that need work. First and foremost his play recognition could use some work. You can tell he reads his keys, but misdirection and “eye candy” can get him in trouble. He also needs to work on his pursuit angles and breaking down when it comes to tackling. He’ll occasionally lose any leverage he has when pursuing a ball carrier.
Banks can use some work shedding blockers, but he does strike with a nice punch when attacking blockers. I thought Banks was better in man coverage than he was in zone although wasn’t horrible in zone. Banks blitzed pretty well, which made me think higher of him as a box player than a space player. He is probably going to have to start as some kind of role player and special teamer, but in a couple years from now don’t be surprised if he’s an impactful three down backer. The only other note I have is that Banks has a history of off-the-field issues that got him suspended and even kicked off the team at one point. Skill wise and upside wise I see Banks as a late day two prospect, but I suspect his off-the-field issues will drop him to day three.