Vikings Draft Thermometer: CB Deonte Banks

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Feb 9, 2023
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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

Welcome to the Vikings Draft Thermometer series, PurplePTSD‘s one-stop shop for all your 2023 NFL Draft needs. Throughout this series, we will be examining a number of prospects ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, what exactly their role could be at the NFL level, and most importantly, whether or not they could end up playing their first NFL snaps in a Vikings uniform. With that, let’s take a look at today’s prospect: Maryland CB Deonte Banks.

Background

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
  • Height: 6’2
  • Weight: 205
  • School: Maryland
  • Games Watched: Purdue (2022), Michigan (2022), Michigan State (2022)

Statistics

Dec 30, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack wide receiver Keyon Lesane (15) reaches for a pass as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) defends in the fourth quarter in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
  • 2019: 28 tackles, 2 PDs, 1 INT (9 games)
  • 2020: 11 tackes, 1 PD (5 games)
  • 2021: 6 tackles (2 games)
  • 2022: 38 tackles, 0.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks, 8 PDs, 1 INT (12 games)

Strengths

Sep 17, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs wide receiver Rashee Rice (11) catches a pass falling back as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) defends during the first half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Weaknesses

Dec 30, 2022; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack running back Michael Allen (24) tries to keep his balance running after the catch as Maryland Terrapins defensive back Deonte Banks (3) comes in to attempt the stop during the first half in the 2022 Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The strengths in press coverage for Banks are paired with a need to become more consistent in zone. He gives receivers a bit too big of a cushion when he’s not in their faces at the line of scrimmage allowing easy receptions.

Banks also leaves much to be desired in terms of his ball skills. There were multiple interceptions left on the field in 2022, and he could be devalued come draft time due to this problem forcing turnovers.

He also struggled with injuries prior to the 2022 season, making that a concern moving into the NFL.

NFL Projections

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
  • Draft Round: Second Round
  • Immediate Role: CB2
  • Best-Case Scenario: Tariq Woolen
  • Vikings Draft Temperature: 60

I would hope the Vikings don’t fully rely on Banks in the secondary, especially in his rookie season, but he has some very intriguing similarities to a guy like Tariq Woolen in last year’s draft, but he is much more polished heading into the draft. Both players are large, physical corners, and perhaps Banks bursts onto the scene during his rookie season.

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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.