Linebacker, Cleveland
Browns
Age: 23
(Sept. 18)
College: Southern
California
Height: 6’4” Weight: 233
Prelude:
Highly rated coming
out of college, Banks was chosen by the Browns in the first round of the 1982
NFL draft (third overall). Combined with the signing of LB Tom Cousineau, who
had been playing with distinction in Canada, it was viewed as a major move to
dramatically improve an underperforming defense. Banks moved directly into the
starting lineup at left outside linebacker in the strike-shortened season.
1982 Season Summary
Appeared in all
9 games
[Bracketed
numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]
Sacks – 5.5
Most sacks,
game – 3 at Seattle 9/12
Interceptions
– 1
Int. return
yards – 14
Int. TDs – 0
Postseason: 1
G (AFC First Round playoff at LA Raiders)
Interceptions
– 0
Awards &
Honors:
NFL Defensive
Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
2nd
team All-AFC: UPI
Pro Bowl
The Browns
went 4-5 in the strike-shortened season and were eighth seed in the AFC playoff
tournament that replaced the usual postseason format. Lost First Round playoff
to Los Angeles Raiders (27-10).
Aftermath:
Banks
followed up his outstanding rookie year by being even better in ’83, gaining
consensus first-team All-NFL recognition as well as another selection to the
Pro Bowl. He was fast and strong, good against both the run and the pass. Following
a lesser year in 1984, he bounced back to reach the Pro Bowl twice more in 1985
(when he had a career-high 11 sacks) and ’86. However, he had also developed a
reputation as a malcontent off the field and was traded to San Diego in 1987. He
played well on the outside in combination with Billy Ray Smith, but was lost
for all of all of ’88 due to a drug suspension. Reinstated, Banks moved on to
the Colts during 1989 and played another three full seasons for them. He had 9
sacks in 1992, his last season, but never again achieved elite status. Overall,
over the course of ten years Banks received All-NFL recognition once, was an
All-AFC choice in four other seasons, and was named to the Pro Bowl on four
occasions. He registered a total of 46 sacks (27.5 with Cleveland) and 9
interceptions, one of which he returned for a TD.
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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie
of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized
organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise
Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league
itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year).
