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2017 NFL Draft: USC Zach Banner Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

Oct 11, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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USC’s Zach Banner is a mountain of a man who working to build up his 2017 NFL Draft stock.

Zach Banner’s size and length is the first thing that jumps off the screen when watching him play. He’s listed at 6’9” and over 340 lbs. His combination of width and long arms makes it tough for pass rushers to get around his frame.

Banner is committed to gaining inside hands and extending his arms. He does a great job keeping defenders off his body. Banner’s arm length is important to him because he tends to play a little high which hurts his leverage.

He’s a solid athlete for someone with his size showing the ability to pull, climb to the second level and cross the face of the defender.

Evaluators will be drawn to Banner because of his size, but there are holes in his game that need to be fixed. The biggest concern is Banner’s lack of foot speed which makes him

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vulnerable to speed rushers. His ability to hold up in space is a real question mark.

Banner’s height combined with his tendency to play upright is also an issue. It allows the pass rusher to dip below his block and flatten around the edge.

This is a player who is aware of his issues protecting the edge and will find himself off balance trying to stop the rush. Banner lacks the change of direction ability to adjust to counter moves when off balance.

Despite his size, Banner isn’t a road-grader and struggles to consistently generate a push in the run game. He’s not explosive off the line of scrimmage and struggles gaining leverage to roll his hips. Banner also needs to keep his feet moving after contact.

There are a few offensive tackles in the NFL that have the same issues as Banner. The key for him will be learning to use angles and his size to make it tough for pass rushers to gain the edge. He’s a good enough athlete to stick at tackle, but needs to improve his overall technique.

Evaluators are going to love his size and see a piece of clay ready to mold.

Current Draft Status: Mid to Late 1st Round

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