After playing with the Tennessee Titans and the New York Giants, Banwart has decided to join the practice squad for the Minnesota Vikings.
Banwart signed with the Titans as a rookie free agency after going undrafted out of Iowa in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was later let go by the team on September 9 after playing just nine games for them.
After participating in training camp in Tennessee, Banwart was added to the Giants’ practice squad on September 21 and was released on October 19 of the same year.
While playing for Iowa, Banwart started eight games at left and right guard, earning him recognition as a member of the Third Team All-America by Pro Football Focus and a spot on the Second Team All-Big Ten by both the conference and Phil Steele in 2020.
After struggling with injuries during his career at Iowa, Banwart’s first year as a full-time starter did not come until the year 2020.
How Good Is Cole Banwart?
Banwart has a height of 6 feet 4 inches and a weight of 300 pounds. Banwart possesses the kind of athletic profile that enables him to quickly launch the ball in any direction he chooses.
He is not the most physically imposing prospect, but he more than makes up for his lack of bulk with his remarkable athleticism.
Banwart carries with him a certain degree of adaptability. He is versatile enough to play any of the three positions inside on the offensive line. In the 2020 season, Banwart started all eight games for Iowa, splitting time between the left and right guard positions.
In addition to that, the coaching staff regarded him as the primary backup at the center position going into the game.
In the year 2020, Banwart’s play was recognized with multiple awards. He was selected for the second team All-Big Ten by the coaches in the conference, members of the media, and Phil Steele. He also received third-team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus.
Additionally, The Associated Press recognized him as Big Ten Conference second-team All-Conference.
When Banwart was getting ready for the draft, he ran the 40-yard sprint in 5.13 seconds. He jumped a vertical distance of 27.5 inches and performed 22 repetitions on the bench press.