Deonte Banks (CB) – Maryland / Senior
6’0”, 197.0 Lbs. (Combine)
2022 Stats: 12 games, 680 snaps, 35 tackles, 29 solo tackles, 7 run stops, 9 pass defended, 1 interception; QBR when targeted: 71.4
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/deonte-banks-1.html}
Awards:
Measurables: Hand – 9.375”, Arm – 31.375”, Wingspan – 77″ (Combine)
Combine Testing: 40-yard dash (4.35), 10 yard Split (1.49), Vertical (42”), Broad Jump (11’4”)
RAS: 9.99
Games Watched: [NINO] 2022 vs Michigan, 2022 vs Ohio State, 2022 vs Purdue. [COACH] 2022 Vs. Purdue, 2022 Vs. Michigan
PRO’S
[NINO] Deonte Banks has the build of a safety playing DB and his demeanor fits that as well. With 1500 collegiate snaps and a career QBR of 77.1 when targeted, Banks makes his presence known early and often. Banks is ultra athletic and has top level speed. Add in some smooth hips and Banks is like Chris Brown in ‘Run It’. He has a sixth sense for the ball and his field awareness is next level (11:26 left in 2nd qtr vs Ohio State, Stroud throws on the run to MHJ, Banks was trailing but quickly able to recover and get his hand on the ball to knock it out (INT overturned on replay). Deonte doesn’t shy away from a challenge as he loves to cover the bigger WR/TE (3:45 left in 2nd qtr vs Purdue, O’Connell threw the right side at WR Charlie Jones, Banks’ coverage was perfect and he was able to get in front of Jones to reverse roles and almost pick the ball). Knows how to use his 200 lb frame to his advantage during contested catches. Banks can also be a run stopper and his top end speed allows him to close quickly on running backs or WRs in screens. Banks is another DB that can eliminate a whole side of the field and make throws for QBs difficult.
[COACH] Banks is an elite athlete, his quickness is so apparent he almost looks lackadaisical at times when mirroring the WR at the LOS. Aggressive/physical defender, asserts dominance at the LOS when jamming defender and when breaking on the football/at the catch point. Banks’ press technique is very sound, drives through the legs up through the receivers chest, doesn’t lunge/reach. Able to play off the receiver at the snap to take away the vertical route and has the quickness to make up for it when crashing on the short routes. Rarely takes a misstep in man coverage, reactions are smooth and quick. Beautiful speed turn on go route vs. Purdue, reacts to receivers initial stem, opens up for quick slant and then flips hips smoothly and gets right back in the receivers pocket.
CON’S
[NINO] Banks does have good speed and instincts but struggles with his back to the ball or playing catch up. He is also a much better 1 on 1 defender in man coverage than in zone. WRs with elite route running and foot work can get Banks to bite early.
[COACH] Limited turnover production with 2 INTs in 28 games and only 11 passes defended in that time span. Banks’ aggressiveness could be used against him at the next level. Though Banks was productive as a Freshman, due to Covid and his 2021 season ending shoulder injury Banks has only played in 19 games over the last 3 seasons.
OVERALL
[NINO] Banks has all the tools for the next level — size, speed, football IQ, and dawg mentality. If Deonte Banks isn’t a 1st round pick whichever teams passed on him will have regrets early in the 2023 season. Deonte Banks in my opinion will be the Tariq Woolen of this draft, the guy that didn’t have the big name but his play says it all! He was a top 5 PFF graded DB last season and nobody was talking about him…..damn shame!
[COACH] Deonte Banks is an elite athlete with excellent coverage instincts. His level of awareness on the field in man to man coverage pairs up very well with his ability to quickly move and adapt to the receivers route. Banks is very dynamic, he’s not just a speed/sticky corner, he has the strength to knock receivers off their routes and disrupt the timing of the offense. Banks will likely step right in as a starting corner for whichever team drafts him and he’ll be making his wide receiver teammates miserable during training camp.
Completed by: @NinoBrown_T2T, 03/11/23
Added to: @coachschepps, 03/13/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 03/13/23
