The Baltimore Ravens place a big emphasis on having one of the best secondary groups in the NFL. That was evident last offseason when they spent big money to bring in free-agent safety Marcus Williams and used a first-round pick on safety Kyle Hamilton.
Marlon Humphrey is the most accomplished cornerback on the roster. He and Marcus Peters formed one of the top corner duos in the league, but the latter isn’t expected back for salary cap reasons. That leaves the Ravens with an inexperienced group of Brandon Stephens, Damarion Williams, Jalyn Armour-Davis and Daryl Worley behind Humphrey.
Baltimore needs an impact player at cornerback and fortunately for the Ravens, this is a draft class rich in perimeter defenders. There is one that they should have their eye on who a short trip down I-95, and that is Maryland’s Deonte Banks.
Deonte Banks
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 197 pounds
Strengths: Banks has prototypical size. He excels in press coverage but also has experience in zone. He is physical, jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage. He is a good tackler on the edges who loves getting involved in the run game. He was exceptional at the combine, posting phenomenal testing numbers and impressing in drills. Scouts love his change of direction.
Weakness: Has a tendency to hang onto receivers, leading to down-the-field penalties. His aggressive play can make him vulnerable to getting beat on double moves. He needs to prove he can make plays on the ball with just two interceptions in his career. He plays the receiver instead of tracking the ball in the air.
NFL Player Comparison: Stephon Gilmore
Draft Projection: Late Day 1 — Early Day 2
Banks improved his draft stock with a terrific combine. He ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, and leaped out the stadium with a 42-inch vertical and an 11-foot, 4-inch broad jump. His size, speed and style of play have NFL teams intrigued, and he has cemented himself as a high draft choice.
The Ravens need to find a corner to man Peters’ vacant slot in the outside. Banks is one of several corners who could be available at No. 22 and fits the mold of the modern-day cornerback. John Harbaugh’s background is in the secondary and with some good coaching, Banks could become the next shutdown corner in the NFL.
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