Countdown to Cannons: Banks Breakout YearJustin Pawlowski @CommishOnlineJul 24, 2015
With 23 days to go, we countdown the days until the Bucs' 1st preseason game, and discuss a different Bucs player at length every day.A year ago, Johnthan Banks was on the verge of watching from the bench as Mike Jenkins took his starting spot. A year later, Banks is entering his 3rd NFL season with the potential to become a breakout star for the Bucs.Banks was part of the Bucs' desperate off-season of 2013 when the Bucs realized their defensive backfield was among the worst in NFL history. You remember the off-season where the Bucs overpaid for Dashon Goldson and bid against themselves for Darrelle Revis? Well, Banks was the Bucs 2nd round pick in that year's draft.The good news for the Bucs is that Banks might end up being a key player on their defense for years to come.Banks is just two years into his NFL career, but he's already putting up solid numbers that are improving. As a rookie in 2013, Banks totaled 3 interceptions and 5 passes defensed. In 2014, Banks jumped up to 4 interceptions and 10 passes defensed, while adding a touchdown.Banks is entering the big year of year three, when players make a big leap towards their potential. Banks size, 6'2'' 185 lbs, gave him plenty of potential at the time he entered the league. He's proven to be a solid corner, but 2015 could be the year where Banks becomes a top-tier corner in the NFL.
