Aaron Banks, G, Notre Dame
Aaron Banks has some fans out there and is a name that is worth watching during the pre-draft process. Banks is coming from Notre Dame, who has produced a solid lineage of NFL offensive lineman. He is a pure guard prospect who, despite his larger size, does not display the athletic ability to play on the outside of the line.
Banks is a wide-bodied guard, making some of his fellow offensive linemen look small. He is competent at everything he is asked to do, but there are few elements of his game that pop off the screen. He plays with a good motor, engulfs defenders with his size and strength, and has good enough movement skills. As with many other guards his size, Banks struggles to keep his pad level low at times. Additionally, there are some plays where faster players are able to run around Banks, especially when pulling or sealing. He does have the ability to move vertically downfield on screens.
I am less high on Banks as others, I believe he has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL but overall he has limited upside. Banks would fit in the Chiefs system similarly to how Deonte Brown would, a solid player who may not be able to do everything but can hold his own in the trenches. Banks make sense in the late 3rd to early 5th round. When Banks is showcasing his best, he reminds me of longtime Ravens guard Ben Grubbs.