Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks: 'I can cover Megatron'

Johnthan Banks said he can cover anybody, including Detroit's Calvin Johnson. (USATSI)

It doesn't look like confidence will be an issue for Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks when he enters the NFL next season. The cornerback -- who's projected by CBSSports.com to be drafted late in the first round or early in the second -- thinks he can cover anyone in the NFL, including a certain Lions wideout who set the NFL single-season record for receiving yards last season.

"I think I can play against anybody. I can own anybody," Banks told Alabama.com. "I think I can cover Megatron."

Banks made news at the NFL Combine, but it was mostly disappointing news. His 4.61 40 was the fourth-slowest among defensive backs and may have cost him a spot in the first round. NFL Network's Mike Mayock thought Banks needed to run a sub-4.5 to lock up a first round slot.

"Banks didn't look good at all," was how Deion Sanders assessed his showing to the Clarion-Ledger.

Banks said he wants to be a starter in 2013.

"I want to go and play right away," Banks said. "I'm not a guy to get over there, want to sit on the sideline. I want to step in Day 1 and be a starter."

Banks compared himself to Antonio Cromartie of the Jets and Seattle's Richard Sherman.

Banks will take some impressive college credentials into April's draft. He picked off 16 passes during his four-year career, tying Walt Harris' school record set from 1992-95. Two of those picks came against Florida's Tim Tebow in 2009. Banks returned both interceptions for touchdowns -- including a 100-yarder -- in a game Mississippi State lost 29-19.

Banks also won the 2012 Thorpe Award, given to the nation's top defensive back. The last eight Thorpe Award winners have been taken in the first round, dating to 2004 winner Carlos Rodgers.

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