Jonathan Banks CB Mississippi State 6’2-185 33 7/8 9 /14 Great size, length and FBI (football instincts) accompany much burst and acceleration. Sixteen career interceptions are no fluke. Banks has anticipation and timing, along with awareness that put him in position to make plays on the ball in the SEC. A very good athlete who won’t time fast, but the man cover skills and fluidity in movement are unquestionably there. He is an absolute ball hawk with body balance and control to jump and contort his body while competing with receiver for balls at the highest point. Tall corner with slight upright peddle, good feet COD (change of direction) with short-area burst and acceleration. Smooth to flip hips, transition and mirror receivers; quickness and suddenness keep this player in position. Very comfortable in open bale technique, and best as a zone defender. When aligning vs. a slot receiver, lacks consistent UOH (use of hands) to jam and redirect receivers; allows free release too often. Solid tackler with wrap and finish; will grab, drag and sling tackle a high percentage of the time, flashing peek-a-boo, explosive hits on receivers in crossing routes. Very good blitzer with second effort, good collision and explosion. Very aggressive and plays with desire in lateral chase and pursuit, creating many a forced fumble, interception and TFL (tackle for loss) production. Has the most natural ball skills of all of the corners in the draft. Soft hands to high point and pluck balls outside of his frame, RAC (run after catch) skills and a nose for the goal line. Interception production is off the charts, as he finished with 16 for his career and 320 yards in returns. First-round talent/bottom first-round pick.
