Tom Banks would become a steal for the St. Louis Cardinals when they got the Auburn Offensive Lineman in the 8th Round of the 1970 Draft, but it would take years to realize that value.
Banks missed the entire 1970 Season because of a knee injury but came back to take over the starting duties at Center. He played more at Left Guard in 1973, but another knee injury took him out of all but the opening game of 1974, right after he returned to Center. Banks remained the starter upon his return and promptly went on a four-year run of Pro Bowls, where he was arguably among the best directly in front of the Quarterback in the NFC. He would also secure a First Team All-Pro in the bi-centennial year of 1976.
Banks played until 1980, retiring with 110 Starts in 116 Games.