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2017 Senior Bowl: 5 players to watch

By John Buhler

Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) passes against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers quarterback Nathan Peterman (4) passes against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter at Heinz Field. PITT won 76-61. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) reacts during the 103rd Rose Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans offensive tackle Zach Banner (73) reacts during the 103rd Rose Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Rose Bowl. USC defeated Penn State 52-49 in the highest scoring game in Rose Bowl history. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Zach Banner

Offensive Tackle, USC Trojans

At 6’9, 360 pounds, there may not be a more physically imposing specimen entering the 2017 NFL Draft than USC Trojans senior offensive tackle Zach Banner. Banner is the son of former NFL Pro Bowler Lincoln Kennedy and could be a star offensive lineman in the NFL in his own right.

Banner projects as a solid swing tackle at the next level, as he played both left and right tackle at USC for Clay Helton. In theory, Banner could kick inside and play either guard spot just to get his massive frame on the field as a first or second-year NFL player.

The speed, size, and strength Banner possesses ensures that he will be off the board sooner rather than later. Some draft boards have him as a first-round pick, but no worse than a third-round pick.

Banner won’t go high enough to the Browns at No. 1 or the Bears at No. 3. However, don’t be shocked if either Fox or Jackson use their second-round pick on him should he escape the first round. His week of practice as the Senior Bowl could have Banner skyrocketing up NFL Draft boards. He will play for Fox’s North team on Saturday.

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