Johnthan Banks To Jaguars?
By Luke Sims
Jan 1, 2013; Jacksonville FL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Johnthan Banks (13) before the start of their Gator Bowl game against the Northwestern Wildcats at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that the defensive secondary for the Jacksonville Jaguars is pretty much empty right now. With the departure of Derek Cox, Rashean Mathis, William Middleton, and the cutting of Aaron Ross and Dawan Landry the Jaguars have virtually nobody left on the roster back there. This likely means that the positions will be addressed in the draft. With six more picks left in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Jaguars appear likely to use one of their next couple picks to pick at least one starting caliber safety or cornerback.
NFL.com analyst Gil Brandt says that it’s going to be a cornerback in round two and that cornerback is going to be Johnthan Banks. While some sites and experts will tell you the Jaguars are eying Geno Smith or some other quarterback that fell out of the first round, it is reported that they won’t take a QB in round two. Does this make a cornerback like Banks more likely? Absolutely.
Banks has first round talent which makes him a logical second round selection. Banks has a big frame (6’2″) but could add some weight to fit better into head coach Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. He has been highly productive through his four college seasons recording 15 interceptions and 41 passes defended (10+ in each of his final three seasons, when he started playing cornerback). He has the ability to play press coverage with a “quick and effective jam” per NFL.com though they say he needs to add weight and strength to play more press in the NFL. The NFL.com draft report is quite strong about Banks, “His skills is man coverage were under-utilized at Mississippi State, and if he can keep adding weight to his long, wiry frame, has the potential to be an excellent press-man corner, a skill that will make get him selected in the top 40 picks.”
When compared to someone like Seattle’s Richard Sherman, Banks sounds better in the eyes of NFL.com. Sherman was a major part of Bradley’s defense in Seattle, enabling him to employ his Leo position and use more exotic schemes to disrupt plays. Sherman (6’3″) has slightly shorter arms and weighed ten pounds heavier than Banks coming out of college. If banks can add just a bit of weight he likely could be the “Sherman” for the Jaguars.
– Luke N. Sims
Feel free to leave comments on here or visit us at Facebook or Twitter!
You can also find me on Twitter @LukeNSims