Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Deonte Banks (Cornerback), Maryland, Junior
Deonte Banks stands in at 6' tall, weighing 197lbs, and is one of the best athletes at the cornerback position in this draft class.
AP
Cornerback Deonte Banks in a home game for the Maryland Terrapins against Rutgers
Overview
There is no doubt that one of the fastest and highest risers this draft season has been Banks, as he has continued to give people reason after reason why he is worthy of a first round pick. Prior to draft season kicking off Banks wasn't a super popular name, as he played less than 350 defensive snaps in 2020 and 2021 combined due to missing much of 2021 with a shoulder injury. However, once scouts and the draft community were able to review his 2022 tape, he started becoming a hot name that everyone was talking about.
On top of putting together very solid 2022 tape and displaying some elite traits, he put together in incredible performance at the combine which netted him a 9.99 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score (RAS). Needless to say, good tape and being an elite athlete tends to be a good combination.
Pros:
- Good build with strong frame
- Exceptional make-up speed
- Impressive quickness and change of direction, especially for his size
- Physical and willing tackler
- Great athlete
- Experience in both man and zone coverages
- Not afraid to jam and be physical, even with larger wide receivers
Cons:
- Only one full year as a starter
- Not a lot of ball production, only 1 interception
- Technique needs improved jamming wide receivers at LOS
- When back is to the ball his anticipation needs to improve
- Profiles to play both inside as a slot and outside, but very limited experience inside
The Steelers definitely have a stigma around them that they struggle to draft cornerbacks, especially ones early in the draft. One of the few successes, Cam Sutton, just left via free agency. However, someone with Banks' skill set is someone that will definitely get the attention of Steeler Nation, Mike Tomlin and company, which was evident by Tomlin's presence at Maryland's pro day where Banks was putting his skills on display.
Brad Mills | USA Today Sports
Deonte Banks breaks up a pass against Northwestern in a game in 2022
Coverage
It is rare to see a cornerback coming out of college with a good amount of experience in both man and zone coverage, but Banks has that with over 200 snaps while in both coverages this past season. Whether it be zone or man coverage, Banks looked comfortable and was able to adjust his play style to the coverage. In zone he was able to pass guys on to other defenders while also recognize when people entered his zone and latch onto them quickly. When running man coverage he did a good job with staying on a wide receivers hip and has the quickness to match them in and out of their breaks. If Banks does managed to get beat or fall a step behind he looks frantic at times trying to get back in position, so he will need to work on that at the next level.
Ball Skills and Instincts
Along with consistency in his technique, Banks' ball skills could afford to improve at the next level. He does a decent job tracking the ball in the air and getting in position, but often Banks will look to play the receiver once he gets there instead of playing the ball. Now, that isn't to say he doesn't have any ball skills as he did intercept one pass last season and breakup eight passes, but there is definitely room to grow here.
Tommy Gilligan | USA Today Sports
Deonte Banks contests a pass intended for top 2024 NFL Draft prospect Marvin Harrison Jr.
Run Support and Tackling
Banks is a well built and physical cornerback, so he naturally is solid in run support as well as being a consistent tackler. Despite having a significant shoulder injury in 2021, the physicality didn't go away in 2022, and Banks went the entire season missing only one tackle. Against the run he could afford to hold the outside and force the runner back inside, but he does get aggressive trying to make the tackle himself which did lead to him losing the edge on a couple occasions, but that is nitpicking.
NFL Comparison - Jeff Okudah
This is a little bit of a lofty comparison considering Okudah was the 3rd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, but it is a fitting one. Both Okudah and Banks have similar builds and athletic ability, as well as similar play style. Their defining traits are their willingness to be physical and ability to change the direction to mirror opposing wide receivers.
Draft Projection - 1st/Early 2nd Round
Based on his one year of tape and combine performance, Banks likely gets picked somewhere in the back half of the first round this April, but depending on how things fall, there is a chance he slips to the second because of his limited experience.
Let us know below what you think about Banks as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black and gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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