Some Tough NFL Analysis

There are some pretty interesting profiles of all the NFL’s combine participants at NFL.com. It’s not the usual fluff but lists strengths and weaknesses for each player. Here’s what it said about USC offensive tackle Zach Banner:

“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.”

9 thoughts on “Some Tough NFL Analysis

    • Looks like the content of my post was deleted. Must have been a copyright issue. FWIW—I am not convinced Zach Banner will be an effective NFL lineman. I question if he can hold up against quick and powerful defensive lineman. But if we are going to debate his status I think we should see both sides of the argument

  1. Love the guy personally, but he jumped so many times prior to the snap, and he’s so lumbering, I don’t feel he’s much of a loss for us. Chad, on the other hand, is a major loss.

  2. Like all of us when he should have he didn’t and now it’s all caught up with him – he’s still way too big and slow and now he’s out of eligibility to move the needle his way.

    Hello CFL or Europe if he’s lucky

  3. He won’t play as a tackle. He knows that along with the rest of the world. The NFL has him projected as a guard.
    As far as his weight?
    Andrea Vanderwoude, the team’s nutritionist, estimates more than half the team tried to maintain or gain some weight during the season. Some lean wide receivers or defensive backs have such high metabolisms, she prescribes 7,000-calorie-a-day diets. Banner reached his goal of 345 when he reported to camp this zsummer, and to maintain it, Vanderwoude recommended 3,000-3,500 calories for the lineman. His weight still fluctuates; Banner says he can lose or gain between five and 10 pounds each day.
    Let’s see what happens. I wish him well.

    • The assessment in Banner’s profile is fairly accurate. He’s a liability at tackle, just as we saw the last 2 years. Nothing personal, it’s just NFL business. There’s tape on him at tackle, that’s the only position he can be empirically evaluated.

      Guard might work out better, but would there be a concern with passing lanes, etc? He is 6’9″ after all.

      But then again, he’s got a NFL blood lime.

  4. Move him to defensive tackle. He takes space, and can be a run stopper. He is a good guy. With height and weight, he could usually bull rush and push the o lineman back into the running back. He is not fast enough to play defensive end, unless it is for a specific play like a short yardage where the offense needs two yards. Play him over center.

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