STRENGTHS - Few defensive tackles have the talent to dominate games whenever they want to, but Hankins is one of those who can. When he keeps his knees bent, maintains leverage and uses hands aggressively, he makes it look easy jolting offensive linemen upright and driving them backwards into the backfield to blow up running plays or to collapse the pocket. Similar to former Spartan Jerel Worthy, Hankins can be the best player on the field and make impact plays every series when he plays aggressively. He has flashed the ability to defeat pass blocks with remarkable hand and foot quickness for a man his size or just with raw strength by over-powering blocker. Anchoring against one on one offensive line run blocks is impressive, but Hankins makes it look easy taking on and defeat double team run blocks when he plays with leverage and uses hands well. His ability to lock-out against a run blocker, toss blocker aside and make the tackle on runs at him is outstanding and gives him the chance to be a dominant run defender. Not only is he a force at the point of attack, but he has great speed chasing down ball carriers in pursuit and an explosive closing burst to finish the play. With his length, strength and athleticism he has the talent to excel as a 43 defensive tackle, 34 defensive end and even at nose tackle if he wants to. .
WEAKNESSES - As is the case with way too many immensly gifted defensive tackles, Hankins' is not nearly as productive as he has the talent to be because he does not play with great effort or intensity on every snap. While playing with leverage gives a defensive lineman a great weapon, more often than not Hankins pops upright at the snap, gives up leverage and allows blocker to get their hands on him first. For a player with the ability to be a dominating force, Hankins goes long stretches not only not making plays, but rather being tied up and eliminated from the play too often. He does not see side/angle blocks coming well and is easily driven a little bit to allow the blocker to open the hole on running plays.
SUMMARY - Hankins is a junior in 2012 that came out early for the 2013 NFL Draft. While I would love to say that he should have stayed in school to become a better player, the reality is that for a player whose motor is so inconsistent, it is not likely that he would improve his effort as a senior and would likely still have the same issues/questions surrounding him when he enters the draft. When I watch Hankins on film he flashes the talent of former Illinois defensive linemen Corey Liuget, but the difference is that Liuget has always played with great effort and intensity. Overall, Hankins will likely be drafted in the second round because of his immense physical talent despite his actual on-field production being more in the third round area. If Hankins can crank up his intensity in the NFL then he will likely be a productive starter who makes big impact plays, but I have a feeling he is always going to struggle with consistency due to his inconsistent motor. He reminds me a lot of Packers DE Jerel Worthy.