Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Antonio Banks (Virginia Tech) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #113 by MIN

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Antonio Banks - 1997 NFL Draft

Player Profile:

• Name: Antonio Banks
• College: Virginia Tech
• Position: Cornerback
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 185 lbs

Overview:

Antonio Banks emerged as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 1997 NFL Draft following a standout career at Virginia Tech. Known for his athleticism, speed, and ball skills, Banks was a key player in the Hokies' defense, contributing significantly to their success during his collegiate tenure.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Banks possesses excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to keep up with fast receivers. His agility enables him to change direction quickly, making him effective in man coverage.
• Ball Skills: He has a knack for making plays on the ball, demonstrated by his ability to intercept passes and break up plays.
• Physicality: Banks is not afraid to get physical with receivers, showing a willingness to jam at the line of scrimmage and tackle effectively.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: While Banks showed flashes of brilliance, scouts were concerned about his consistency in coverage, particularly against more polished route runners.
• Size: At 6'1", he has good height for a cornerback, but his weight may be a concern when facing bigger, more physical receivers in the NFL.

Projected Draft Position:

Antonio Banks was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft, with some teams expressing interest in him as a potential starter early in his career.

Conclusion:

Antonio Banks was viewed as a talented cornerback with the potential to develop into a solid NFL starter. His combination of speed, physicality, and playmaking ability made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their secondary in the 1997 draft.