2013 NFL Mock Draft: Going Inside The Falcons Selecting Jonathan Banks
By Ronny Hurd
Sep 24, 2011;Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs cornerback Jonathan Banks (13) intercepts a Louisiana Tech Bulldogs pass in the end zone during the fourth quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Think of me as Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, as I explain why the Falcons selected Mississippi State corner back Jonathan Banks in yesterday’s mock draft.
I went into this mock draft thinking that the Falcons would be in a position to draft a defensive end with the 30th overall pick. I noticed that may not be possible because the defensive ends were quickly coming off the board. Defensive ends like Dion Jordan, Ezekiel Ansah, Barkevious Mingo, Bjoern Werner and Damontre Moore were all off the board by time I reached the Falcons pick.
It was either reach for a need or select the best available player on the board. Jonathan Banks was there and he fitted both categories of being a need and the best available player on the board, so I ended up selecting him.
Corner back is very much a need for the Falcons. The Falcons ranked 23rd in the league last season in opponent passing yards, allowing over 242 yards per game. They are also very thin at corner back with recently releasing Dunta Robinson for cap casualties and Brent Grimes being a free agent.
Banks will be appealing to many teams, including the Falcons because he is a physical type of corner and has the size to go up against the leagues top receivers.