Brian Banks and the 4 Biggest Wildcards This NFL Offseason

All anyone with the dream of playing in the NFL can ask for is an opportunity.

Well, Brian Banks is the epitome of that as he was exonerated in May of a rape conviction dating back to 2002, according to Linda Deutsch of the Associated Press via the Detroit News.

Along with Banks though, there are some other wild cards to watch for this summer with training camp around the corner. So we'll get to Banks later, but first, let's check out those who join him this NFL offseason.

Alfonzo Dennard: CB, Patriots

Before the 2012 NFL draft, Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard was arrested, according to the Omaha World-Herald:

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Dennard was arrested on suspicion of third-degree assault on an officer and resisting arrest. He was also cited for third-degree assault in connection with the bar fight.

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Still, the New England Patriots selected Dennard with the 224th overall selection in Round 7.

For Dennard, not only is he fortunate enough to get drafted, but if there's one organization that can develop him, it's the Patriots. The obvious success of New England during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era with five Super Bowl appearances will be a humbling reality check for Dennard.

Now, consider all of the Pats' offensive weapons that Dennard will face each day in practice, and he has no choice but to keep a positive and unselfish attitude. Otherwise, Alfonzo won't last through the preseason and his NFL odds will take a nosedive.

Also, New England already has two stud cornerbacks in Devin McCourty and Kyle Arrington. So Dennard will be playing in a limited role anyway but getting used as that nickel/dime back is a possibility.

Vontaze Burfict: LB, Bengals

Even after a sub-par 2011 college season, Arizona State's Vontaze Burfict still had first-round potential in the 2012 NFL draft.

Then the offseason happened and his stock began to plummet. On and off the field Burfict displayed obvious red-flags with character concerns, and it was not surprising to see him go undrafted.

Given an opportunity with the Cincinnati Bengals however, Burfict has shown a turnaround. In an article by Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, Burfict is learning and improving:

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"Paul [Geunther] [Bengals' linebacker coach] has taught me some things about defense I didn't know in college," Burfict said. "About my placement. Where to line up before the snap and I get a little cheat. Just things like that."

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Now, all this may be great about Burfict making changes but the production still has to come. He had an extremely disappointing season last year, a horrendous offseason until recently, and still must prove he can play in the pros.

We'll obviously learn more about Vontaze's development when training camp and the preseason kicks off, because true potential is revealed when the pads go on.

Bruce Irvin: LB, Seahawks

The pressure continues to build on the development of Bruce Irvin.

Heading into the 2012 NFL draft Irvin was an expected late-second to early-third round pick, but the Seattle Seahawks gambled big and took him in Round 1.

With limited experience and success as a run defender, and not being an every-down player through college, Irvin does bring an excellent pass rush to the Great Northwest. Unfortunately, the NFC West is a run-oriented division and Irvin must quickly learn to read, react, and get off blocks if he wants to live up to being a first-rounder.

In addition, Seattle is currently without star defensive end Chris Clemons. Last week, according to Tim Booth of the Associated Press via the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

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When practice began Tuesday (June 12), Clemons was nowhere to be found at the Seahawks facility and he's not expected anytime this week.

"In communication with Chris, I thought he was coming, so this was a little bit of a late development that he's not. I'm a little surprised that he's not here," [Pete] Carroll said.

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Last season Clemons recorded 11 sacks, 51 tackles, defended five passes and forced three fumbles. Irvin was a major risk in Round 1, but still a solid complement to Clemons nonetheless. Without Clemons, Irvin becomes an even greater potential flop as he's not a complete and every-down defender. 

Ryan Broyles: WR, Lions

In early November of last season, Oklahoma receiver Ryan Broyles tore his ACL and was out for the year.

Prior to the injury Broyles was a potential late-first round pick and arguably the best receiver in college football. After the injury his future was uncertain.

When the draft began however, Broyles was selected in Round 2 by the Detroit Lions, which was a rather surprising move. For one, the Lions already fielded a great receiving corps and quarterback Matthew Stafford tossed for over 5,000 yards in 2011.

Although Detroit needed a slot receiver, taking one in the second round was questionable to begin with, considering its defensive woes. Include Broyles' injury and no matter how much talent or potential any player possesses, it means nothing if durability and health remain a concern.

This especially holds true for a slot receiver, because this position requires constant cutting and breaking of routes across the field and making quick moves to get open.

With an ACL injury having ended his college career, the Lions put themselves in a risky position with Broyles as health did cost Detroit a great deal last fall.

Brian Banks, LB

Upon his exoneration, Brian Banks has been given more than one opportunity in the NFL.

According to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee last week:

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Banks will take part in a three-day rookie minicamp, a source confirmed Friday. The Monday-Wednesday session will be the longest tryout Banks has had yet. 

Banks already has worked out for the Seahawks, Chargers and Chiefs, and he spent the last two days taking part in a Seahawks minicamp.

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Considering that Banks was away from the game for so long, it's quite a story that he's been offered to workout with four teams.

And although it would be surprising to see him make a roster, all that matters is the opportunity. There's no doubt that Banks is a long-shot and San Francisco is already loaded with linebackers. Still, after everything Banks has been through it's hard to count him out.

Lest we forget, but Banks was a top college football recruit before the conviction and if anything, the man has proven to possess natural talent on the field.

John Rozum on Twitter.