30-Days, 30 Prospects: DAY 12 – Maryland Standout Cornerback Deonte Banks

Deonte Banks brings a unique blend of brains and brawn to the table, displaying supreme athleticism, while showing great intuition on a play-by-play basis. Banks, the Maryland standout, plays the game with violent explosiveness, playing the ball extremely well downfield while showing his leaping ability to go up for the ball against receivers in 50/50 situations. Additionally, Banks has shown to be a physical tackler, digging in deeper in efforts to be a force in stopping the run. Aggression is the staple of his game, playing great press coverage vs. all sized receivers and tight ends– a strength that sets him near the top of the cornerback draft class. Potentially, at 6′ 2″ and 205-lbs, Banks could also be coached to also play strong safety, if necessary. 

Banks sometimes shows inconsistencies with shedding blocks, and could be just a step slow when a quarterback scans back to his side of the field late in his progression. He also has been exposed on film biting on double moves from time to time. Additionally, his back-pedaling looks a bit unbalanced when lined up against speedy receivers. However, these are weaknesses that can be sharpened with repetition in camp and extensive film study.

If the Raiders do not address the cornerback position in the 1st round at #7, look for the Raiders to acquire Banks at #38. To double down on that thought, do not be surprised to see the Raiders double-up on the position, making Banks a CB2 on the other side of another rookie at that position, as the currently constructed cornerback room lacks a true starter. Banks’ supreme athleticism, aggression, and cerebral approach would be a great addition to the Silver and Black.