Rd 1: Deonte Banks | Pos – Cornerback | School – Maryland
Born and raised in Maryland, Deonte Banks was selected by the Giants with the 24th pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland. The 6 foot 197 pound cornerback with 4.35 speed in the forty yard dash was not expected to be available late in round 1 and surprisingly, he was.
At the University of Maryland Deonte started 8 games as a freshman with 28 tackles and 1 interception. In 2022 his junior year Deonte registered 38 tackles and 1 interception in 12 games. Foregoing his senior year Deonte decided to enter the 2023 NFL Draft where he was projected by many to be a top ten to fifteen pick.
Strengths
Banks possesses exceptional technique with prototypical size, strength, speed to challenge both the physical and speed receivers downfield in the NFL. With exceptional technique as he stays on receivers hips as he glides downfield stride for stride with his 4.3 speed getting in and out of breaks.
Deonte seems to enjoy the physical part of the game as he sheds blockers in run support on the outside. His 31 3/8 arm length along with his strength allows him to re-route the receiver in both zone and man coverage.
Another part of Deonte’s game is using the sideline to his advantage on the outside as he squeezes the receiver to the boundary with his athleticism and arm length. Experienced and groomed as a press corner he is versatile enough and understands the concepts of playing in zone as well. This is evident when you see him defending the screen and running game.
Weakness
Although Deonte gets his head around fairly quickly he needs to improve locating the ball when its in the air and his back is turned. At times it appears he is off balance when playing the ball. Like many press corners with confidence, Deonte at times takes chances in press man coverage and anticipates the route too early. Looks as though his aggressiveness takes over a bit to much.
Crossing routes can be an issue at times for Deonte with technique. Although technique is a strongpoint downfield it’s the crossing routes and inline routes that appear to give him some trouble.
Over All: A great pick that was unexpected to be there at #24 and will mostly likely be a Day 1 starter opposite of Adoree Jackson.