RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

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

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

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.