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The Indianapolis Colts has selected USC Trojans offensive guard/tackle Zach Banner in the fourth round with the 137th overall pick.
How about some offense? #ColtsDraft
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 29, 2017
Welcome to the team, @ZBNFL! pic.twitter.com/utHOcwMHzN
Banner had an excellent college career both on and off the field for USC. The massive offensive lineman was recognized for both on field and off the field achievements in his career with the Trojans.
Following his redshirt season in 2012, Banner entered the 2013 season as a backup tackle for the Trojans seeing only two games on the field before being lost for the season with an injury. Banner started every game in 2014 at right tackle, showing his potential for the first time in his collegiate career.
Banner followed up his first year as a starter with an excellent junior season for the cardinal and gold. Banner started every game at tackle, 12 at the right side and 2 on the left side.
Following his junior year, Banner was recognized for his on-field achievements including, All Pac-12 1st Team, and USC’s Offensive Lineman of the Year. His final season for the Trojans was one to remember for Banner, as he elected to remain at USC instead of declaring for the NFL Draft.
Banner’s size alone will upgrades the Colt’s offensive line potential. He measures out as an offensive tackle in the pros and may not need to change positions like many other prospects. Not to mention the behemoth is an incredible run blocker who will open up holes in the NFL, with the ability to drive just about any edge player off the ball. His pass blocking is a work in progress however.
Banner’s size may also be his biggest downfall and is alarming to many scouts, as he weighed in the NFL Combine at 6’ 8’’ and 353 LBS, good for the heaviest man in the Combine. He has rare size but it remains to be seen if he can manage that weight consistently. Due to his size, he may be too big to kick inside and too slow to play Tackle.
His Combine results altogether were disappointing to say the least, as the former Trojan didn’t stack up, to many people’s surprise. Banner will prove through the offseason program, his leadership, and his drive for greatness, that he was well worth the “gamble” in the 2017 Draft.