Player Profile: Deonte Banks, cornerback, Maryland
The NFL Draft is one week away. Surely by now the New England Patriots have an idea on who they will select with the 14th overall pick. Could it be Deonte Banks?
Deonte Banks the cornerback from Maryland would be an excellent choice for New England at 14. The redshirt junior made a day one impact when he set foot on the Maryland campus and he looks to continue that expectation in the pros.
Player Profile: Deonte Banks, cornerback, Maryland
Immediate starter
Banks started the final eight games for Maryland during his freshman year. His impact was immediate as that season he posted 28 tackles, two passes defended and an interception. This was just the start to a successful college career.
He followed his freshman year season with a solid sophomore year despite only playing five games due to the COVID-19 pandemic. His only downfall would be that in 2021 his play time was limited due to injuries. But, his final season was unforgettable.
Banks’ curtain call
Banks very rarely allowed a big play during this past season for the Terrapins. He was a tackling machine with a total of 38 tackles. He also defended eight passes and had a half sack to close out his career at Maryland (all career high’s). His presence was strongly felt on the field.
A boost the Patriots defense could use
Bill Belichick rarely goes for the flashy players in the draft. Banks falls under that category as a player who isn’t the flashiest. Deonte Banks is exactly what Belichick looks for in a player. Someone who is coachable and makes big time plays when necessary.
The Patriots secondary could use a boost as well. Yes, Jonathan Jones is back as well as Jalen Mills. But, with Devin McCourty retiring it’s expected that Jalen Mills will move over to safety. If Mills does in fact make the move the opposing cornerback job is up for grabs and someone like Banks could fill that spot. Yes, players like Marcus and Jack Jones, Jabrill Peppers and Kyle Dugger could take it. But, those players could also play safety whereas Banks is a true cornerback.
Needless to say, come next Thursday night Patriots fans will all be welcoming the newest member as the team see’s his NFL dream come true.