By Adam Aniba
This year's draft class features blue chip talent at cornerback and their skills were on display during the NFL Combine. Although game film is the best litmus test for projecting talent from the college level to the NFL, the combine provided some answers during agility drills.
One cornerback saw his draft stock improve dramatically after his workout, seeing his stock go from a 2nd/3rd rounder to a potential 1st rounder. Maryland CB Deonte Banks created quite a buzz after his blazing forty time and adds his name to a talented gtoup of potential 1st round defensive backs.
Deonte Banks
6'0" 197 lbs | CB | MD
Late 1st Rd Grade
Career (28 games) 83 TAK (61 solo), 0.5 TFL, 0.5 SACKS, 2 INTs & 11 PD
2022 (12 games) 38 TAK (25 solo), 0.5 TFL, 0.5 SACKS, 1 INT & 8 PD
Background
Banks grew up in Baltimore, MD and attended Edgewood HS, where he stared in Track & Field and Football. Banks played running back, defensive back and even contributed as a KR/PR.
Between his junior and senior seasons, Banks rushed for 2.374 yards and 29 touchdowns, in addition to 586 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense he recorded 64 tackles (35 solo) and 6 interceptions. As a returner, Banks recorded 15 career kick returns (415 yards) for a 27.7 per return average and 10 punt returns (220 yards) 22.0 per return average
Banks was rated as the #12 HS prospect in the state of Maryland in '18. As a 3-star recruit, Banks earned All-Harford County football honors and ultimately committed to Maryland.
As a freshman in 2019, Banks was active in 11 games with 8 starts, recording 28 tackles (22 solo), 2 pass breakups and 1 interception.
During the '20 season, which was cut short due to COVID, Banks played in all 5 games with 3 starts, posting 11 tackles (10 solo) and 1 pass breakup. Unfortunately the following season, Banks would only play 2 games before going down for the season with a shoulder injury. He concluded the season with 6 total tackles (4 solo)
Banks would rebound in '22 with his best season as a Terrapin, recording 38 tackles (25 solo), 8 pass breakups, 1 interception and a half sack. The Maryland cornerback had his most impactful game vs the #2 ranked OSU Buckeyes last season. Banks registered 2 pass breakups (matched career-best) and a blocked an extra point and 4 tackles.
PROS
Extremely quick, displays a smooth transition when dropping his hips with a fluid backpedal
Displays the ability to mirror and disrupt routes
Plays with aggression in press and his 42" vericle is an asset when challenging for 50/50 balls
Experienced prospect with 1,500 career college snaps and a 77.1 career QB rating average when targeted
impressive field awareness, constantly sniffs out screens
CONS
Although effective vs the run, needs to be more disciplined and decisive
Tends to get to grabby when deployed in press-man
Too often bites on head fakes/double moves and needs to show more patience
Lack of career interceptions/forced turnovers is a concern for a top 50 prospect
Will need coaching with zone concepts, can't always rely on his speed to recover if out of position
Outlook
Banks is an impressive athlete, displaying his quickness with a 4.35 second forty yard dash combine time and his suddenness with a 1.49 second time in the 10-yard split. In no way is Banks a finesse corner, he displayed how aggressive he could be in run support last season and his willingness to mix it up when playing close to the line.
Also, Banks' background playing multiple positions, notably as a kick & punt returner in high school, certainly adds to his overall versatility as an early round prospect.
Although Banks will deal with some struggles early on, when transitioning to NFL coverage schemes, his ability to constantly adapt will lead to a team making the first round investment in the Terrapin cornerback.
*Games Watched- 9/17/22 vs SMU, 9/24 vs Michigan, 10/8 vs Purdue, 10/15 vs IND, 10/22 vs N.Western, 11/5 vs Wisc, 11/12 vs PSU & 11/19 vs OSU
**CLICK Banner Below for OUR NFL Draft Scouting Reports**
