The 2021 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Aaron Banks 2021 NFL Draft Profile.
Aaron Banks Background
Position:Â Offensive Guard/Center
Size:Â 6-foot-5, 325 pounds
Class:Â Senior
2020 stats:Â All-American First Team
Banks was one of the best linemen on a great Notre Dame offensive line over the last few seasons. After accomplishing a lot at Notre Dame, he is off to the pros.
Although he was one of the best offensive linemen in California, Banks decided to leave the state for Notre Dame. He did not play in his first year on campus. In 2018, he played in all 13 games, starting six of them. His play helped Notre Dame get to the CFP, but they lost to Clemson in the semifinal. Banks became a full-time starter in 2019 and helped the Fighting Irish win 11 games, including the Camping World Bowl. In 2020, Banks was a First Team All-American and once again helped the Fighting Irish make the CFP, but they lost to Alabama in the semifinals.
After being a part of a great unit in college, Banks is preparing to join a new team in the NFL. He is currently projected to be a day two pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Strengths
Banks has a huge frame for an interior offensive lineman at the NFL level. He is 6-foot-5 and 325 pounds, which means he won’t really need to add anything to his frame to go up against pro defensive linemen. His arms are 32.25 inches, which isn’t great, but it is less of a factor for interior linemen.
His size allows him to generate a lot of power. He can move people in the running game, which opens up huge holes. While pass blocking, he can handle powerful bull rushers on the interior and is tough for defensive linemen to get around.
At this point, his run blocking is better than his pass blocking. Because of his power, he can move people completely out of the way. He understands his assignment and executes it. Often times he will finish the play with a meanstreak as well. His initial pop is good and his momentum takes him through the whistle.
Weaknesses
Banks is not the most athletic offensive lineman. He doesn’t have good flexibility or quickness. Quicker interior rushers can give him trouble if they are given a little room to operate. He could get to the second-level quicker and isn’t the best when asked to pull. Banks is good in a phone booth, but can struggle in space.
While he is powerful, he can sometimes leave some power on the table. He needs to maintain leverage against defenders by keeping his pad level low. Banks will sometimes play too high and will need to focus on keeping his leverage to win consistently at the NFL level.
When he is about to be beat, Banks can grab and hold too much. He is comfortable when he keeps defenders in front of him, but when he gives up ground, he does everything in his power to protect the quarterback. If he keeps this up, he will be called for holding more often at the NFL level.
Projected Draft Range:Â Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
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