Daniel Jeremiah Has CB on the Mind for the Vikings in Latest Mock Draft

Vikings Get a Physical CB in Todd McShay's Latest Mock Draft
Nov 5, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts following a play during the third quarter against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Daniel Jeremiah released his latest 2023 NFL mock draft on Tuesday morning, and in this latest mock, the NFL Network analyst has CB on the mind for the Vikings. With the 23rd overall pick, Jeremiah has the Vikings selecting Maryland CB Deonte Banks.

Nov 19, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) breaks up a pass for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Banks’ best trait is how physical he can be in press coverage by using his size to dominate matchups at the line of scrimmage. Here is an excerpt of my own scouting report on Banks as part of the ongoing Vikings Draft Thermometer series:

“Deonte Banks brings ideal size as a boundary cornerback, and he utilizes it superbly in press man coverage. He’s very physical off the snap and has the top-speed capability to keep up with opposing receivers.”

“Seeing as the Vikings have a need for a true lockdown cornerback in Brian Flores’ defense, this strength makes him a very intriguing option. Banks could be a great fit to take over the reins in the secondary.”

Compare that to what Jeremiah says about Banks in his mock draft, and it seems that we have very similar thoughts on the Maryland CB as a prospect:

“Banks has good size, and I think you’ll see his stock rise as the evaluation process unfolds. The cornerback is physical and tough.”

Daniel Jeremiah on Deonte Banks

Especially with the Vikings hire of Brian Flores at defensive coordinator, it would seem like a strong presence at cornerback who can consistently win one-on-one battles against wide receivers should be a huge focus for Minnesota this offseason.

Daniel Jeremiah Has CB on the Mind for the Vikings in Latest Mock Draft
Oct 22, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) breaks up a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Shelley filled that role to an extent in 2022, but he is undersized and set to hit free agency. There will always be the concern that he was a “flash in the pan” player down the stretch, until he proves that he can play at an elite level on a consistent basis for multiple seasons.

Perhaps the Vikings would be willing to take that chance, but given that this franchise seems intent on trying to improve enough to get to their self-set standard of championship contention, it seems contradictory to risk going into the 2023 season relying on Shelley to be a starter at the position.

Jan 8, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Duke Shelley (20) celebrates a defensive pass break up during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Other options for Minnesota certainly exist in free agency as well. However, if they want to maximize the value at that position, it may be best for them to try and find a true lockdown guy in the draft that can be had at a rookie-scale contract. Banks has the potential to be that type of player.

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing. He also earned minors in History, Human Biology, and Journalism. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys marathon training, playing video games, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. For more of his opinions, check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.

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