Banner is a massive, run-blocking specialist who could help a Colts run game that ranked 22nd in rush yards/attempt. The question is if he can prove reliable enough in pass protection to earn a starting role down the line. --Mark Dulgerian
6'8" Height
34 7/8" Arm Length
353LBS. Weight
10 3/4" Hands
Overview
While known for his huge frame, Banner may be most proud of his honor of being a finalist for the 2012 Watkins Award as the nation's top African-American high school student-athlete. The USA Today All-American redshirted his first season with the Trojans and then spent most of the season on the sideline after having surgery on both hips. Banner got on the field in 2014, starting every game at the right tackle. He earned first-team All-Pac-12 recognition as well as the team's Offensive Lineman of the Year Award after starting 12 games at right tackle and two at left tackle. Banner was as heavy as 385 pounds as a junior, so he lost 40 pounds and repeated the all-conference effort at right tackle in 2016.
Analysis
Strengths
Massive man with good upper-body strength. Has length and girth to overwhelm smaller opponents. Able to withstand a bull rush thanks to enormous frame. Powerful road-grader who blasts holes open as down-blocker and generates movement with his base blocks. Leverage not always necessary to produce push at point of attack. Won't find him on the ground much. Decent athlete for his size. Functional combo blocker. Initial kick-slide is fairly smooth. Can make life miserable for pass rushers when he latches strong hands into their frame. Could play right tackle but would need help against edge speed. Balance and redirect are adequate.
Weaknesses
Weight concerns are a huge issue. Has seen weight balloon to 385 pounds. Pass pro is a major concern. Could be too big and bulky to handle NFL edge talent. Lacks athleticism and quickness to recover when beaten. Slower than desired out of stance. Has to open early and lunge to protect the edge in pass pro. Rarely flat-footed at punch, relying on girth over technique. Takes wide route to his target with punch. Doesn't mirror well enough to keep defender from escaping from side door once engaged. Lack of bend and high center of gravity could make move to guard a challenge. Has had issues with penalties during time as starter at USC.
Draft Projection
Rounds 3-4
Sources Tell Us
"He's a really big guy. That's his body type. If he doesn't work his tail off to manage it, there is no doubt his weight will shoot way up again. Everyone is going to write him as a guard but I'm writing him as a tackle. They all have issues. I think we could work around him at tackle." -- Western regional scout from AFC team
NFL Comparison
Trent Brown
Bottom Line
Rare size, but some teams will question whether he can bend enough to be a functional NFL guard. As a tackle, he lacks quickness to consistently protect the passer, and teams might focus too heavily on that shortcoming. Teams who focus on Banner's strength -- drive blocking -- should be rewarded with a starting right guard who is average in pass protection, but who can help turn run creases into running lanes.
-Lance Zierlein
