Packers UDFA Profile: Edge Rusher Keshawn Banks

Rounding out my review of the Green Bay Packers 2023 undrafted rookie class is San Diego State edge rusher Keshawn Banks.

In this 11-part series, I’ve been diving into the current state of each UDFA’s respective position group while examining the college stats of theirs that you need to know. I’ll also be highlighting each player’s measurements, along with taking a look at a pre-draft scouting report for an added perspective.

If you’ve missed any of the other articles in this series, you can find them below.

Brenton Cox

Benny Sapp

Jimmy Phillips

Kadeem Telfort

Jason Lewan

Chuck Filiaga

Duece Watts 

Henry Pearson

Camren McDonald

Malik Heath

Current state of the edge rusher position

On the roster: Keshawn Banks, Brenton Cox, Kingsley Enagbare, Jonathan Garvin, Rashan Gary, La’Darius Hamilton, Justin Hollins, Kenneth Odumegwu, Lukas Van Ness, and Preston Smith

The number of available roster spots at this position group depends on whether or not Rashan Gary begins the season the PUP list. If he does, then I would guess that there are two roster spots up for grabs, with Preston Smith, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness considered roster locks. Justin Hollins, I believe, is going to make the team as well, so perhaps only one roster spot is available in this scenario, but given how easily the Packers could get out of his contract, I wouldn’t quite put him in the ‘lock’ category.

If Gary is available for Week 1, then at best, there is only one roster spot available. But again, that depends on whether or not you think Hollins is fighting for a spot on the 53-man. Maybe a young, high-upside player like Brenton Cox could push him for a spot on the depth chart, especially in a season where the Packers are transitioning.

Without Gary last season, the Packers struggled to generate regular pressure on the quarterback from the edge rusher position. Green Bay finished the season ranked 23rd in total pressures. This is one area where they have to improve if this defense is going to take a step forward in 2023. As a whole, this unit can also be much better against the run, specifically setting the edge and not letting ball carriers get outside.

Stats to know

Banks was an experienced and productive college player. He finished his career with nearly 2,500 snaps and, like a few other Green Bay rookies, played both inside and out. According to PFF, Banks played 1,152 snaps as a traditional edge rusher, with another 609 at defensive end and 653 in the B-gap. His most productive season came in 2021, where he logged 52 pressures and five sacks. In this most recent season, Banks had 33 pressures and three sacks. He was good against the run as well, ranking 35th among all edge rushers by PFF’s run defense grading system and 28th in run-stop rate. Missed tackles were an issue for him at times, however.

Measurements

6’3″ | 251 | RAS: 2.09

Banks has the bigger frame that the Packers have often preferred at edge rusher, weighing in at over 250 pounds. Brian Gutekunst said following the draft – not about Banks specifically – that they prefer bigger edge rushers for the added ability to be able to hold their own against the run. Banks did not run the 40 and, based on the RAS scale, did not test all that well in the vertical, broad jump, or shuttle. He flashed some agility with an above-average 3-cone time, which has been an important metric for the Packers as they evaluate edge rushers.

Pre-draft scouting report

"“Strengths: Athletic pass rusher who makes plays all over the field. Agile, plays with terrific pad level, and is rarely off his feet. Immediately alters his angle of attack, fights with his hands, and gets a lot of momentum going up the field. Slices through blocks to penetrate the line of scrimmage and displays a closing burst. Explosive. Comes out of a three-point stance or stands over tackle and gives effort.“Weaknesses: Easily out-positioned from plays or blocked by a single opponent. Must develop more pass-rush moves. Average run defender.“Overall: Banks is a hard-working defender who does the little things well. He possesses a thin build and must fill out his frame, yet Banks comes with upside.” – Tony Pauline, Pro Football Network"