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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Tony Banks (Michigan St.) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #42 by STL

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Tony Banks (1996 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:
Tony Banks, Quarterback, Michigan State University

  • Height: 6'5"
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • College Stats:
    - Completion Percentage: 54.2%
    - Passing Yards: 4,151
    - Touchdowns: 29
    - Interceptions: 20

Strengths:

  • Arm Strength: Banks possessed one of the strongest arms in the draft, capable of making all the NFL throws.
  • Size: At 6'5", he had the ideal height for a quarterback, allowing him to see over the offensive line and deliver passes effectively.
  • Mobility: While not a scrambling quarterback, Banks had the ability to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs.

Weaknesses:

  • Inconsistency: Banks struggled with consistency in his passing accuracy and decision-making during his college career.
  • Mechanics: His throwing mechanics were sometimes unorthodox, leading to erratic ball placement.
  • Experience: Limited experience in a pro-style offense may have hindered his readiness for the NFL.

Overall Assessment:

Tony Banks was viewed as a talented but raw quarterback prospect heading into the 1996 NFL Draft. His combination of size and arm strength made him an intriguing option for teams in need of a quarterback. However, concerns about his consistency and mechanics raised questions about his immediate impact at the professional level.

Many analysts believed that with proper coaching and development, Banks could evolve into a starting quarterback in the league, but he might require time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses.

Projected Draft Position:

Tony Banks was projected to be selected in the second or third round of the 1996 NFL Draft, with potential for a team to take a chance on his upside as a future franchise quarterback.