Part 7, LB: Iowa’s Jack Campbell is the standard

A big linebacker who can run is rare in today's game. That could push Campbell, described by one scout as "Brian Urlacher," into the first round. Bob McGinn's series continues with the linebackers.

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This is the 39th year that Bob McGinn has written an NFL Draft Series. Previously, it appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette (1985-’91), the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1992-’17), BobMcGinnFootball.com (2018-’19), The Athletic (2020-’21) and, now, GoLongTD.com (2022-’23). Until 2014, many personnel people were quoted by name. The series reluctantly adopted an all-anonymous format in 2015 at the request of many scouts. The 12-minute, 50-question Wonderlic test no longer is administered at the NFL combine. Players generally took the test at spring 2022 timing days, all-star games and pro days in March and April. The NFL average score is about 19.

Used to be that the ability “to take on blocks,” “stuff the run” and “knock somebody’s head off” made or broke an inside linebacker in the National Football League.

That style of football is a distant memory, with teams hunting for linebackers that can run around the field, slip blocks and, most vitally, contribute in coverage.

“Nobody cares about size anymore,” a veteran personnel man said. “If you can’t run, forget it.”

This class of inside linebackers largely bears that out. Eight of the top 10 at the position, on average, stand 6-1 ¾, weigh 230.7 pounds and run the 40-yard dash in 4.57 seconds.

“With all the passing going on today you sacrifice some physicality to cover,” another seasoned scout said. “In the old days we always looked for guys that could step up, take guys on and shed.”

Two of the top-10 prospects this year stand out because of their old-school size and surprising speed. Iowa’s Jack Campbell (6-4 ½, 251) and Oregon’s Noah Sewell (6-1 ½, 247) each ran the 40 in 4.71 seconds. They also combined to start 58 games and record 520 tackles as leaders of their defenses.

Defensive coordinators still have an urgent need to stop the run. Especially in the case of Campbell, maybe teams can have it all — run stop, pass cover, call the defense — by drafting him.

“You’re getting that 6-1, 6-2, 225-, 230-pound linebacker who can run well enough in a guy with a 6-5, 250-pound package,” an evaluator said. “In meetings guys will say, ‘Well, I don’t know if he’s athletic enough?’ When you look at Jack Campbell we all have a tendency to say, ‘Well, he’s going to be a two-down guy.’ This guy was a very good athlete. Hell of a football player.”

Sixteen personnel men were asked to rank the linebackers on a 1-2-3-4-5 basis, with a first-place vote worth 5 points, a second-place vote worth 4 and so on. Campbell emerged as the winner but it wasn’t by much.

Campbell finished with five first-place votes and 50 points for a narrow margin over Drew Sanders (48, six) and Trenton Simpson (44, three). Next were DeMarvion Overshown (25), Daiyan Henley (22, one), Sewell (19, one), Harry To’oTo’o (16), Dorian Williams (seven), Owen Pappoe (four), Cam Jones (three) and Jeremy Banks (two).

“It’s not a great group,” an NFC personnel head said. “We’re looking for guys that move.”

Weighing 249 at the combine, Campbell turned some of his doubters into believers with clockings of 7.24 in the short shuttle and 6.74 in the 3-cone. None of the other linebackers could beat him, and his 3-cone time was particularly outstanding.

“He tested out of this world,” one evaluator said. “His 3-cone and short shuttle blew everybody out of the water at that position by a lot.”

Sewell wasn’t as fast (4.37, 7.28), but those shuttle times at least ranked in the middle of the pack.

“He’s Pepper Johnson,” said a longtime personnel chief. “He (Johnson) couldn’t play today. Sewell’s a little better than that because he’s a good blitzer and he can play the run. He’s a two-down throwback type.”

When inside linebacker Pepper Johnson came out of Ohio State in 1986 he was 6-3 and 248; his 40 time was unavailable. He was the 51st player drafted, a second-round pick by the New York Giants. Johnson played off the bench as a rookie when the Giants won the Super Bowl before starting 158 games over the final 12 years of his career. His finest moment came in 1990 when the Bill Parcells-coached Giants won another Super Bowl.

With teams looking for bulk inside to fit the popular 3-4 defense, Johnson was the only player in the draft of 1986 with size that also performed in that role as a collegian.

“It’s very difficult to find a big hammer guy this year,” Mike Allman, Seattle’s player personnel director, told me before that draft. “He certainly has the size to stand inside and take the guards on.”

Another scout with more than 30 years in the business said of Sewell: “He’s the old-fashioned middle linebacker-type guy. Twenty-five years ago, everybody would have loved to have had this kid.”

In the draft of 25 years ago (1998), three inside linebackers — Keith Brooking (6-2, 244), Takeo Spikes (6-1, 234) and Anthony Simmons (6-0, 230) — were selected in the middle of the first round and had excellent careers. It wasn’t until the third round that the stereotypical thumper surfaced in Jeremiah Trotter (6-0, 261) out of Stephen F. Austin.

“He is the best guy I’ve seen in probably two or three years at stepping up and just crushing a guard or a fullback,” said Jeff Smith, the Central Plains scout for the Miami Dolphins. “He can buckle their knees and freeze them in a hole. His problem is, he’s still hung up on them when the back goes up.”

Among the top 25 inside linebackers, Campbell and Sewell were the only ones weighing 245 pounds or more. In the draft 10 years ago, there were four. In the draft 20 years ago, there were seven. Campbell should become the eighth linebacker scaling 245 or more to be drafted in the first two rounds over the past 10 drafts.

The others were Kevin Minter (6-0, 245, 4.70) in 2013, Benardrick McKinney (6-4, 247, 4.65) in 2015, Reggie Ragland (6-1, 248, 4.66) in 2016, Leighton Vander Esch (6-4, 255, 4.63) and Tremaine Edmunds (6-4 ½, 252, 4.55) in 2018 and both Micah Parsons (6-3, 246, 4.36) and Zaven Collins (6-5, 259, 4.65) in 2021. Collins owns the fewest career starts (22) but has played just two seasons in Arizona. Four have made at least one Pro Bowl.

“I’ll be pissed if Campbell doesn’t go in the first round,” one scout said. “If Tremaine Edmunds goes that kid should go. He’s Brian Urlacher.”

Full scouting reports on all top linebackers — with analysis from personnel men across the NFL — are below. You can catch up on Bob McGinn’s entire draft series right here:

• Part 6, Edge: Why the Clemson Curse 'scares the shit' out of the NFL

• Part 5, DL: Does Jalen Carter love football?

• Part 4, RB: 'There’s nothing he can’t do'

• Part 3, QB: Bryce Young has the 'S2' advantage

• Part 2, OL: Buyer Beware

• Part 1, WR/TE: Hallelujah, it's the Year of the Tight End

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LINEBACKERS

1. JACK CAMPBELL, Iowa (6-4 ½, 251, 4.71, 1-2): Two-year starter, four-year player. “He’s big, tall and physical in the run game,” one scout said. “What separates him is his feel for the game. He’s got great instincts and he makes plays. He is a (green dot) in a second.” FBS leader in tackles (143) in 2021. Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and William V. Campbell Trophy (the academic Heisman) winner in 2022. “He was all over the place in that Ohio State game,” a second scout said. “That defense played amazingly well and he was a major reason why. He’s playing middle read and the guy (receiver) was there and he picked the ball off. You talk about a green dot (defensive signal-caller), this guy will have the green dot immediately.” Finished with 305 tackles (13 ½ for loss), 15 passes defensed and five interceptions. “He’s going to play for a long time,” a third scout said. “The speed surprised me; I thought he’d run like a 4.8 something. But he is a football player. In the 1970s, he would have been (great). I don’t think he’s more than a two-down player because he does not run well enough in space. With the game being the way it is today this guy’s going to struggle. He’s extremely instinctive and he tackles well.” Scored 24 on the Wonderlic test. “Best between the tackles, green-dot type of guy,” said a fourth scout. “Concerns I guess would be matchup situations in the pass game, but I think you can kind of cover him up so he’s not exposed that long. He is athletic. He tested well. He ran fast enough. I wish he’d just attack the line of scrimmage and was in the backfield more for a guy that big. He was more timid and waited for guys to come to him, which is fine because I think that’s what he was asked to do. I just wish he blew more shit up.” Arms were 31 7/8 inches, hands were 10 ¼ inches. “I like him but I don’t love him,” a fifth scout said. “He’s a big body, strong, very smart, high football IQ. I just didn’t love his overall athletic ability and his top-end speed.” From Cedar Falls, Iowa. “Typical Iowa linebacker: try-hard and limited,” a sixth scout said. “Gives you his all. He’s similar to that (Denver’s Josey Jewell) but he’s bigger. Same kind of guy. Overachieving, tough, try-hard guy. Because of what’s out there everybody’s elevating him. He is what he is.”

2. DREW SANDERS, Arkansas (6-4 ½, 236, 4.65, 1-2): A 5-star recruit, he played 52 snaps as a freshman at Alabama. In 2021, he became a starter at OLB early before a thumb injury sidelined him for three games and sent him back to backup status behind freshman Dallas Turner. Played 269 snaps. “They had Will Anderson and Dallas Turner so they came to Sanders and said, ‘Hey, we want you to gain weight, get up to 260 so you can play a 4-technique, 5-technique defensive end,’” one scout said. “He and his dad said, ‘We ain’t doing that.’ So he left.” Transferring to Arkansas, he practiced at first on the outside before the staff decided he’d have the most impact in the middle of the defense. “He missed 22 tackles, with 11 in the first three games,” the scout said. “This was the first time he ever played off the ball. He can make multiple moves off the edge and rush the passer. He’s got a lot of versatility.” In 2022, he had 103 tackles and 9 ½ sacks. “He can rush the passer and was surprisingly athletic in coverage,” a second scout said. “Very good blitzer. Can play the run. He was Anthony Barr-like.” Finished with 136 tackles (16 for loss). “He’s not an edge rusher,” said a third scout. “He’s a linebacker who you blitz. He's really good at blitz timing. He’s an all-around backer you can keep on the field all the time. Really good in all phases. He’ll be a Pro Bowl-type player.” Posted 21 on the Wonderlic. “Very shy by nature,” one scout said. “But you’ve got to get through the shyness. I think first impressions hurt that kid. He knows football and wants to be a player.” A 5-star recruit from Denton, Texas. “I think the guy’s a fraud,” a fourth scout said. “Somebody’s going to overdraft him. Somebody’s going to buy fool’s gold there.”

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3. TRENTON SIMPSON, Clemson (6-2 ½, 234, 4.45, 1-2): Third-year junior, 27-game starter. Played both the strong and weak sides in a 4-3 defense. “He’s a testing freak,” one scout said. “He’s a height-weight-speed guy in a height-weight-speed league. The tape is not great.” Pumped 25 reps on the bench to go with a vertical jump of 40 ½ inches and a blazing 40. “This guy is a space linebacker,” said a second scout. “He can just run and go get stuff. Plays hard. He’s tough when he tries to take on but he kind of gets knocked around. He can cover guys. He can run with tight ends easily. He’s not like Quay Walker, who didn’t have any instincts. This guy’s instinctive. Some little guys shy away. He’s not great but he’s got some jolt and pop to him.” Finished with 187 tackles (22 ½ for loss) and 12 ½ sacks. “I questioned his instincts,” a third scout said. “I was, like, ‘Trent, use your eyes. See it, see things.’ But he’s got the athletic ability to do everything.” Former safety. Wonderlic of 11. “He’s still learning the position,” a fourth scout said. “He’s gifted in coverage. His angles to the football in the run game need to be improved. Another Clemson player who has up and down moments and scares the f--k out of me. No way he goes first round.” From Charlotte, N.C.

4. DeMARVION OVERSHOWN, Texas (6-2 ½, 231, 4.56, 2): Backup safety in 2018-’19 before starting 31 of 33 games at strongside LB in a 4-3 defense. “Former safety growing into the position,” one scout said. “Physical enough to handle the rigors of inside linebacker. Should be on the field for all three downs. Will do nothing but develop and get better. He’s close (to a green dot).” Finished with 249 tackles (30 ½ for loss), nine sacks and 20 passes defensed. “You want to take a chance on a guy, this guy is fast and he is tough and he plays his ass off,” said a second scout. “For a linebacker, that’s all you need. He was a pleasant surprise. He figures it out. You talk about flying to the ball, range, cover. Kind of Simpsonesque; cut from the same cloth as him.” Posted 23 on the Wonderlic. “Not very smart, can’t make calls,” a third scout said. “Doesn’t take on blocks well. He’s a see-ball, get-ball (player) or special teamer. His deal is speed, which you can’t coach. More of a finesse guy. But he can fly. It’d be hard for me to take him in the first three rounds but he might go there because he runs fast.” From Arp, Texas.

5. DAIYAN HENLEY, Washington State (6-0, 228, 4.57, 2-3): Sixth-year senior. A high-school quarterback, he played WR at Nevada in 2017 and WR/CB in ’18. Moved to safety in ’19 and then to LB in 2020. Started there in ’21 before moving on to Pullman, where he started on the weak side in a 4-2 defense in ’22. “This guy has been on the rise the last two years,” one scout said. “He made every tackle at Nevada. He goes to Washington State and he still made every tackle. You talk about the new-age linebacker where he’s not the biggest guy but he’s athletic and fast. He's a better athlete than when Blake Martinez was in Green Bay making a ton of tackles. He’s not a hammer but he ran around. He’s going to be really good.” His arm length (33) was the longest of the top seven linebackers. Wonderlic of 19. “He is a specimen, man,” a second scout said. “He is so rocked-up and tightly wound, you wouldn’t think this guy would make as many plays in coverage as he does. He gets his hands on a ton of balls. I think he’s more instinctive in the pass game than the run game — kind of like Bobby Wagner was coming out. Explosive on contact. He’s kind of scratching the surface right now.” Finished with 265 tackles (15 ½ for loss), four sacks and five picks. “He looks the part,” said a third scout. “But kind of a slow blinker. Now when he sees it and goes, he goes hard. He attacks. But he doesn’t take on very well. Coverage? He’s lost. But he’s got special-teams speed and temperament. You love the way he plays but he just has limitations.” From Los Angeles.

6. HENRY TO’OTO’O, Alabama (6-1, 22, 4.66, 3): Four-year starter: his first two at Tennessee, his last two for the Crimson Tide. “He can wear the green dot,” one scout said. “Very solid player. Very instinctive. Has some sideline-to-sideline ability. You worry about his size and the ability at the point of attack. Not very strong.” Departed Knoxville after coach Jeremy Pruitt got canned. Played MLB and made the calls in Tuscaloosa. “Physically, he’s going to have a problem holding up in the NFL,” a second scout said. “But I’ll give the kid credit. He makes plays. He’s more of a grab tackler than a physical, knock-your-ass-back tackler. Smart in the passing game. He’s an undersized smart guy who’s a backup. He’s not as good as Blake Martinez.” Finished with 354 tackles (31 for loss), eight sacks and just one forced fumble. Wonderlic of 13. “Just a guy,” said a third scout. “Try-hard, small, not a good athlete, not strong, not athletic. Nonfactor. Give him a coaching headset. Let him do that.” From Sacramento, Calif.

7. NOAH SEWELL, Oregon (6-1 ½, 247, 4.71, 3-4): Three-year starter at MLB in a 3-4 defense. “Powerful, heavy hitter, size and strength, got all that,” said one scout. “I had problems with his man coverage. He had some stiffness and some change of direction problems. Just kind of top-end speed, I had questions. And out in space was a question mark.” His brother, Penei, was drafted No. 7 by the Lions in 2021 and starts at RT. “He’s going to get overdrafted by his brother’s name,” a second scout said. “Weight will always be an issue. It fluctuates. Not as twitchy as you would like. Speed is not what you request. More of a two-down linebacker than a three-down linebacker.” Third-year junior declared after starting all three seasons. Totaled 114 tackles in 14 games as a sophomore but just 56 in 12 games as a junior. “Going into (2022) I thought this guy was one of the best linebackers I had seen in years,” a third scout said. “Then they changed systems and played a read-and-react. Last year, he played more in the box. This year, he played in space. Maybe he doesn’t have great instincts. All I know is he finds the ball and hits people. He was as good at his position as his brother was at his position.” Finished with 215 tackles (20 ½ for loss), 7 ½ sacks, 11 passes defensed and three forced fumbles. Wonderlic of 17. “He’s not at the level of his brother as a player but he’s played a lot of ball and made a bunch of tackles,” said a fourth scout. “Sometimes it’s about getting in the right situation. A lot of times you get with a coach who loves you and you just stay around.” From Malaeimi, American Samoa (Orem).

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8. DORIAN WILLIAMS, Tulane (6-1, 227, 4.52, 3-4): Started for three years on the weak side in a 4-2 defense. “I do think he’s a gifted athlete,” one scout said. “His athleticism speaks for itself. He needs to get stronger on his physicality in terms of tackling. But he is a modern-day linebacker who can run. He’s got to be a little bit stronger in the run game. Probably not (a green dot).” Longest arms of the top 20 linebackers (33 ¾). Wonderlic of 18. “There’s a little bit of questioning on the processing but when he sees it and trusts his eyes he can go get it,” said a second scout. “He’s an innately physical dude. Loves to run and thump people. Makes up for some of the processing delays with the speed. There are a lot of guys in the league playing like that.” Finished with 311 tackles (27 for loss), 9 ½ sacks and 15 passes defensed. “If you’re a little linebacker like that you better be special, and he’s just average,” said a third scout. From Indian Land, S.C.

9. OWEN PAPPOE, Auburn (6-0, 224, 4.45, 3-4): Four-year starter at MLB in a 4-2 defense. “I was very disappointed in Auburn’s play this year but he stood out,” one scout said. “He’s not physical but he can cover. Instinctive and moves well in space. That’s the kind of guy that’s playing now. His best game was against Alabama. I moved him up to the third round because of that game. When guys play well against top teams, it excites me.” Registered 29 bench-press reps, No. 1 among linebackers. “Tough, sawed-off,” a second scout said. “Short, squatty guy. Good player, but he’s 5-11.” Finished with 256 tackles (15 for loss) and eight sacks. Wonderlic of 22. “He’s like the No. 2 tester of all the inside linebackers,” a third scout said. “There’s a degree of stiffness to his play. His instincts are suspect. He wins with his determination and his speed. No way (he wears the green dot).” From Lawrenceville, Ga.

10. NICK HERBIG, Wisconsin (6-2, 238, 4.70, 3-4): Started at OLB in a 3-4 defense for three years but most teams appear to have him rated as a stack linebacker. “He’s a really good football player,” one scout said. “Undersized. I don’t know what you’re going to do with him. You’ve got to see if he can play stack. They used him as a pass rusher all the time.” Finished with 137 tackles (36 for loss) and 21 sacks. “At pro day he worked out with the linebackers,” said a second scout. “At the combine he was categorized as one. Some guys hold on to being an edge guy as long as they can, but it seems like he decided to make the transition. I think he can. He’s a really good football player. He’s got the athleticism, the desire and intelligence to transition. It might take a year to become a starter but I think he can get there. Looked good in drills. I liked Jack Sanborn, but Herbig is pretty similar. I don’t see why he can’t wear the green dot.” Short arms (31 ¼) probably make him better equipped to play inside than outside. Wonderlic of 21. “Really disappointing at the combine the way he looked athletically,” a third scout said. “He had some sack production on blitzes. The best thing he did as a linebacker was blitz.” From Kauai, Hawaii.

11. SIRVOCEA DENNIS, Pittsburgh (6-0 ½, 227, 4.64, 4-5): Led Pitt in tackles the past two seasons as the MLB in a 4-3. “He’ll play for six, seven, eight years because he’s smart, he’s accountable, he loves football,” said one scout. “A very engaged, thoughtful person. He’s got his degree. He’s highly organized. He’ll make a team. I’m certain of that.” Finished with 239 tackles (36 for loss) and 15 sacks. Wonderlic of 25. “He absolutely plays his nuts off,” a second scout said. “No regard for his body. Been hurt a lot. He’s just not a big man. He was like 217 at the end of the year. He’s got to be a will and play out in space. He strikes me as a guy who’s not going to have a very long shelf life. Ran better than his play speed. He’s got real-deal leadership. The reason he has a chance is because of that.” His vertical jump (41 ½) and hand size (10 5/8) ranked No. 1 at linebacker. From Syracuse, N.Y.

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12. ISAIAH MOORE, North Carolina State (6-2, 232, 4.68, 4-5): Was suspended for nine months as a freshman following allegations of sexual assault. Eventually, no charges were filed. Started a whopping 55 of 55 games at MLB from 2018-’22. Three-time captain. “He’ll be a starting inside linebacker for a 3-4 team,” one scout said. “His play speed is not good, and he’s not good in the passing game. He’s flexible, strong, tough. Really instinctive. He can call the defense. He goes to a 3-4 team and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go third or fourth round. Had a good workout.” Highest Wonderlic (31) score of the top 20 linebackers. Finished with 341 tackles (43 ½ for loss) and 11 ½ sacks. “Misses way too many tackles,” a second scout said. “He gets you all lined up and stuff, but he’s not quite athletic enough to take the right angles all the time. Looks great on the hoof. I’ll be surprised if he gets drafted.” From Chester, Va.

13. MARTE MAPU, Sacramento State (6-3, 221, no 40, 5): Sixth-year senior. Started as a rover in 2021-’22. “He’s a linebacker,” one scout said. “He’s got unbelievable pop in his body for a guy that’s 220. He hits like a guy 245. He’s got serious snap in his hips. He can go get it. He’s long. Just a unique body type. Coming from FCS, this guy can make a huge jump in a year or two. I don’t know how much more weight he’s going to hold but he doesn’t need to hold much more because of how explosive he is.” Underwent surgery to repair a pectoral injury that he suffered in February. “He’s going to be really late (in the draft),” said a second scout. “He tore his pec. That will affect him being a non-combine guy.” Finished with 165 tackles (13 for loss), seven picks and 22 passes defensed. Wonderlic of 24. “Being in the box full-time would be a little bit different but I think he showed he could handle it,” a third scout said. “He’d be good in coverage (against) tight ends and running backs. Kind of a big safety, more of a coverage type guy. I think he would be fast enough for a linebacker and not fast enough for a DB. So where does that fall in for a team evaluating him?” From Hawthorne, Calif.

14. IVAN PACE, Cincinnati (5-10 ½, 226, 4.61, 5-6): Only player in college football last year with at least 20 tackles for loss (21 ½), 10 sacks (10) and three forced fumbles (four). “He can rush the passer from inside,” one scout said. “He didn’t look instinctive and wasn’t very physical, but they had him blitz a lot and he timed things.” Started one of three seasons at Miami (Ohio) before starting all 13 games for the Bearcats last season. “Just a damn good football player,” said a second scout. “He is undersized. He’s definitely shorter. He plays a really unorthodox game. Beats people to the hole. You don’t see the size or the length (30 ¼ arms) show up that much. Lightning quick. Shows up in every game almost immediately. You want to ding him for the size but he just knows how to play in the box. He slips, he dips, he gets under people and around people. Has a huge chip on his shoulder.” Finished with 307 tackles (42 ½ for loss) and 21 sacks. Wonderlic of 10. “He’s going to get drafted fifth or sixth round,” a third scout said. “He’s a midget linebacker that’s really instinctive.” From Cincinnati.

15. YASIR ABDULLAH, Louisville (6-0 ½, 240, 4.52, 5-6): Started from 2019-’22 at OLB in a 3-4 defense. “Tested really well,” one scout said. “Not a top-level guy. More of a backup.” Finished with 208 tackles (43 for loss), 23 ½ sacks and seven forced fumbles. “We have him more as an outside linebacker,” a second scout said. “High motor kid. He played strong. Not the ideal size and length (32 3/8 arms). Shorter kid. He could be (an inside linebacker). Or he could be a nickel linebacker because he can run.” From Miramar, Fla.

OTHERS: Jeremy Banks, Tennessee; Dee Winters, Texas Christian; Cam Jones, Indiana; Anfernee Orji, Vanderbilt; Mohamoud Diabate, Utah; Shaka Heyward, Duke; Charlie Thomas, Georgia Tech; Drake Thomas, North Carolina State; Ventrell Miller, Florida.

THE SKINNY

UNSUNG HERO

Dee Winters, Texas Christian: Against Michigan in the national semifinals, Winters (5-11, 230, 4.53) had a first half to remember, making tackle after tackle by lancing into the backfield. He started 36 games from 2020-’22 on the strong side, producing 246 tackles and 12 ½ sacks. “He can shoot a gap and trigger really fast and make plays in space,” one scout said. “If you keep him clean, he’s going to get to the football.”

SCOUTS’ NIGHTMARE

Jeremy Banks, Tennessee: One of the more compelling stories will be watching which team, if any, drafts him. Banks (6-0 ½, 234, 4.57) was in Knoxville for five years, and was a starter in 2021-’22. In August 2019, he reportedly was accused of harassing and threatening a female student. In September 2019, he was stopped by police in Knoxville for making an illegal U-turn. Police then learned there was a warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear on a charge of driving on a suspended license. Police video showed Banks, who was seated in a squad car, telling officers, “Where I’m from we shoot at cops. I’m from Memphis, Tenn.” Also, he said, “Y’all don’t want to see me without that badge.” Also, he said that he “hated cops” and “f--k the police.” Banks was kicked off the team a month later, before he offered an apology and was reinstated in August 2020. One team said Banks had been removed from its draft board. Based on talent, two scouts estimated his value lay in the second round and another said third round. “He’ll hit an 18-wheeler head-on,” said one scout. “But good freaking luck.” Said another scout: “The video is embarrassing … terrible. Unfortunately, this guy can play. Plays fast, just tries to hit people. Out of control a lot. I can’t imagine he interviewed well. He’s just a country-tough, street-talking dude. People can say what they want about the off-the-field, but if you separate it and just watch him as a player, he is a good player.”

SCOUT TO REMEMBER

George Boone: During two tours of duty, Boone spent 30 years scouting for the Cardinals, first in St. Louis and later in Arizona. From 1973-’91, he ran the team’s draft as director of player personnel under owner William Bidwill. In those 19 seasons, the Cardinals posted six winning seasons. Jim Hanifan, the team’s offensive line coach from 1973-’78 and head coach from 1980-’85, said in 2009: “Most of our drafts were lousy.” Fired by GM Larry Wilson in 1991, Boone found success in scouting director roles with the Indianapolis Colts from 1994-’99. He returned to the Cardinals as their West Coast scout from 2001-’05. In a 1987 interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Boone said: “My whole thing is to work hard enough, to be smart enough, to be close enough, to be lucky enough to pick the right one. If we knew it wasn’t going to work out, we wouldn’t do it. Sometimes I think it would be easier to make a living betting on animals at a racetrack.” He died in 2016 at age 77.

QUOTE TO NOTE

NFL personnel director, on his criteria as an evaluator of players: “Sixty percent right is OK. You’ve got to be at least 80 percent.”