Johnthan Banks, CB

04/25/2013 - DANE BRUGLER'S FINAL 2013 DRAFT BOARD: 38. CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State (6-2, 185, 4SR)...A ballhawking defensive back, Banks has room to tighten his technique and be more consistent. But he has very good height, length and confidence for the position. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

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Banks signed with the Bulldogs as a relatively lightly recruited prospect out of the small town of Maben, Miss., which has approximately 874 residents, according to the latest US Census.

Despite his rather humble past, Banks quickly proved to be anything but small-time by playing well as a true freshman. He initially played mostly on special teams but injuries forced him into action as the Bulldogs' starting free safety by the sixth game and he went on to keep the position for the final seven games of the season.

During that time he amassed 33 tackles, seven passes defensed and four interceptions, including two of Florida's Tim Tebow, each of which he returned for touchdowns (100, 20 yard returns). The 100-yard return came on the final play of the first half and cut the defending national champs and then No. 1 ranked Florida's lead to just 13-10 going into halftime. It was just the third and fourth interceptions that Tebow, the defending Heisman Trophy winner, had thrown through seven games.

Banks was asked to make the switch to cornerback as a true sophomore and quickly proved himself to be a difference-maker at this position, as well. He posted 54 tackles in 2010, registering 10 passes broken up and another three interceptions.

Though he'd certainly shown flashes of game-breaking ability over his first two seasons, Banks elevated his play to another level last year, recording career-highs in virtually every category. Starting all 13 games, he registered 71 tackles, 11.5 for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, nine pass breakups and five interceptions, one of which he returned for a score (Auburn). He was also made the team's punt returner, averaging 10.6 yards per attempt and returning a punt 65 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee-Martin.

Strengths: Good length and tall frame for the position. Natural flexibility and agile footwork to quickly redirect, driving fast and physical on plays. Always seems to know where the ball is, quickly locating and aggressively goes after it. Good discipline to read routes and stay glued to receivers.

Very good ballskills to snatch the ball out of the air and is ballhawk in the secondary with a school-record 16 career interceptions. Comfortable and confident in coverage, using his eyes to bait throws. Opportunistic player and always looking for the game-changing play, never afraid to take chances.

Aggressive and tough against the run and works hard to shed. Lacks ideal bulk but doesn't shy from big hits and easy to love his physical nature and competitiveness. Fiery demeanor and not afraid to get on teammates for mistakes. Known as a vocal team leader with strong football character, work ethic and ambition.

Weaknesses: Lean and lanky body type. Starts too upright at times and can get lazy with his technique. Gets caught with his eyes in the backfield and can lose sight of his man. Opens hips too early and needs to stay balanced in his backpedal.

Tends to overpursue in run support and needs to tight his angles to play under control and finish tackles. Often hits too high and needs to consistently use his long arms to wrap. Can get hung up on blocks and has looked worn down late in games, not playing with a full tank. Nagging left knee injury in 2012, but not a serious issue.