The Bucs added plenty of talent to the roster, not just through their 2023 draft class but also in their undrafted signings. Among the most notable additions on offense are wide receiver Kade Warner and running back Sean Tucker. But on the defensive side of the ball, inside linebacker Jeremy Banks has the most potential to make the team and carve out a role.

Banks, a talented linebacker out of Tennessee, is an intriguing player based on his ability and talent. Once considered to become an early Day 3 pick, he ultimately went undrafted due to an off-the-field issue in 2019. If that ends up being just a one-time incident in college and not in the NFL, Banks can be a sleeper on the Bucs’ defense and become a contributor.

Jeremy Banks’ College Production Should Excite Bucs

Interestingly enough, Jeremy Banks did not begin his college career as a linebacker. Instead, as a freshman in 2018, he came in as a four-star recruit at running back. In seven games that year, he had 52 carries for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Before the 2019 season, he began his conversion to linebacker, and in limited action at the position, he recorded two interceptions in a game against Chattanooga.

Tennessee ILB Jeremy Banks – Photo by: USA Today

His sophomore year would be derailed by his dismissal from the program, and he had to earn his way back. Banks decided against transferring and stuck around. Head coach Jeremy Pruitt gave him a second chance, and he was reinstated. This would start his emergence on the Volunteers’ defense.

In 2020, he was a full-time linebacker, and in seven games, he recorded 28 tackles. After a year under his belt settling back in with the team and his new position, 2021 would be his breakout.

Banks would play in all 13 games and had 128 combined tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and a 32-yard interception. He ranked seventh in the nation in tackles and had one of the best seasons at the position in school history. He had an elite year by all measures on-paper, putting him on a path to the NFL.

In 2022 he would take a step back from these numbers, but it was still a solid campaign. In 11 games (eight starts), he recorded 53 combined tackles and 4.5 TFLs. Some of his best games last season came against highly-ranked opponents.

Of note were three games against, at the time, No. 20 Florida, No.3 Alabama, and No.3 Georgia. Early in the season against the Gators, he tallied seven tackles, a quarterback hurry, and a fumble recovery. Facing the Crimson Tide a few weeks later, he recorded six tackles, but his four quarterback hurries were more impressive. Lastly, in November, he recorded seven tackles, 1.5 TFLs, and a pass breakup against the College Football National Champions.

What he lacked in sack production last season, he made up for it by consistently getting to the quarterback and playing with increased play recognition and a quick first step.

What are Jeremy Banks’ Strengths And Weaknesses?

Jeremy Banks’ production carries over to his strengths and weaknesses. Looking over his highlights from perhaps his best game in college gives a great look into his playstyle and fit on the Bucs’ roster, should he make the team or be on the practice squad.

Against Purdue and now-teammate Payne Durham in the Music City Bowl, he had 20 combined tackles in what was a 48-45 Boilermakers win. Both Bucs rookies shined in the contest, as Durham had five receptions for 85 yards and two touchdowns.

Jeremy Banks’ Strengths

Bucs HC Todd Bowles, ILB Jeremy Banks and DT Calijah Kancey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

A consensus review among draft profiles and scouting reports is that Banks is aggressive and physical in getting to the ball and finishing the play. He is athletic enough to keep up with tight ends and running backs up the middle and to the sideline, and his ability to pursue the ball carrier and take the correct angle is a noted strength.

As well as his athleticism, he plays with a sound understanding of being able to sell the blitz and drop into coverage. If he goes after the quarterback, he gets into the backfield in a hurry to be a disrupter and make plays. At Tennessee, he was often the anchor on defense, making the calls and being in position.

Jeremy Banks’ Weaknesses

At 6-1, 232 pounds, Banks is likely maxed out in terms of height and weight. The limit on his frame is not a big concern but can lead to some mismatches.

Although he put up plenty of tackles in college, his film shows that in coverage, he lacked certainty and did not make the quickest reads getting to his assignment. It may be a learning curve for him to be able to cover, which puts a limit on his ceiling to become an every-down player.

What Should Bucs Expect From Jeremy Banks?

Now with his production and skillset documented, what does this mean for Jeremy Banks this season and potentially in the future? Much like the plan for Jose Ramirez, most of his rookie season will be spent developing behind the scenes.

Making the 53-man roster to open the season is not out of the realm of possibility, but it would mean beating out someone like K.J. Britt for the fourth inside linebacker spot and playing special teams.

Bucs ILB Jeremy Banks – Photo by: USA Today

Fortunately, he profiles well as someone who can shine on special teams. He is physical, aggressive, and athletic enough to carve out a role in the unit, which does have some value.

With Lavonte David, Devin White, and SirVocea Dennis and possibly Britt all ahead of him on the depth chart, he is not likely to line up in Todd Bowles’ defense barring anything unforeseen.

Still, credit should be given to the Bucs’ front office for finding another undrafted player with a draftable grade and the talent to make an impact. It is possible that Banks could have been selected as early as Round 3 if not for his off-field issues.

With David’s playing career now likely to be taken year by year, and with White’s future with the team in the air, Dennis and Banks could become the new inside linebacker duo as soon as 2024 if both hit the ground running and impress throughout the season. It will be interesting to monitor their progress.

Much like Sean Tucker, Banks chose Tampa Bay over other destinations as it is a roster trending younger and faster. With many guys looking to prove themselves, the Bucs may be able to make a large deposit if their investment in Banks pays off.