Cowboys 2019 draft prospect: TCU EDGE Ben Banogu scouting report & interview

Name: Ben Banogu

School: Texas Christian University

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 250 lbs

Arm Length: 33 5/8”

40 time: 4.62

3-Cone: 7.02

Pros:

It will be hard to find a front-seven defender in this yeas draft class that possesses as much versatility as Ben Banogu. During his time at Louisiana Monroe and Texas Christian, Banogu has played OLB, defensive end, defensive tackle, and ILB between his two collegiate teams. In his many roles, Banogu has also found plenty of success getting after the quarterback. His athleticism jumps off the tape when watching TCU rush the passer. Awareness, converting speed-to-power, and using his length are just a few of the things he does very well when rushing the quarterback. He plays with exceptional play speed when chasing down ball carriers, or getting home on twists. High motor guy that consistently makes plays on the backend and down the field. Put up consistent production in his two years at TCU. Had success against some of the better competition he faced. Rushed from both the DE and DT position for TCU in his senior year, and showed good speed and power from both positions. Played ILB at the Senior Bowl and looked very comfortable at the position for learning on the fly. Got in the backfield a ton in his final two seasons at TCU. Plays the run well when working vertical.

Cons:

While his length is one of his best traits, Banogu does not consistently use his length to win when turning the corner. Play speed and change of direction did not seem to match the the combine numbers. Didn’t have as much success rushing the passer with speed from the outside. Tape showed more of a cleanup guy. Rarely won with first step quickness around the edge (did when using inside moves). Needs to work on his hands technique and playing with better leverage, and pad level when working against stronger offensive lineman. Struggled working down the line of scrimmage when playing the run. Ends up on the ground a bit more than you’d like to see.

Overall Review:

The Cowboys love versatility in their defensive lineman, and Ben Banogu is as versatile as they come. Banogu developed year to year as a pass rusher, and can win from both the outside and inside even with him being undersized. Still very raw in terms of technique as a pass rusher and run defender. Athletic and physical traits are extremely intriguing, though the tape didn’t match the combine results in my viewings. High character, high motor player that plays with great intensity on the field and is as clean as they come off the field. Named a captain at TCU in his final year, and was one of the key players on the Horn Frogs defense in his junior and senior seasons.

Round Grade:

5

Video:

Interview