The Giants made the best pick available in the 2023 NFL Draft on night one, with Deonte Banks from Maryalnd proving to be the choice after they traded up tonthe 24th overall pick, swapping one spot with the Jaguars. 

Banks is an elite athlete and started four seasons for Maryland. The program has become noted for its defensive back production, with elite athletes seemingly coming into the draft every year from the Terrapins secondary. 

But like all prospects, Banks presents both positives and negatives, so let's dive into where he excels, and where he can improve. 

Measurables

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 197 pounds 

40: 4.35 seconds 

10-yard split: 1.49 seconds

Vertical: 42 inches

What he does well

I think the above testing proves the type of athlete he is, and the tape only backs that up. Banks' 40, vertical, and broad are all in the 92 percentile or above, proving the explosion he possesses. 

Here is what Tyler Browning of A to Z Sports had to say about Banks: 

Long corner. Able to stay in receivers hip pockets quite well. Likes to have hands on the receiver and feel their route develop. Good technique in man, doesn’t open his hips too early. Occasionally jams with the wrong hand when in press. Shows the ability to squeeze receivers towards the sideline. Had a phenomenal press rep vs Ohio State in 2022.

Where he can improve

Banks has to do a better job when it comes to locating the ball. Too often he is out if touch with where the ball is located in the air, evident by his lack of ball production throughout his tenure at Maryland. 

Here is what Dane Brugler of The Athletic had to say about Banks: 

Savvy receivers will get him turned around and crossed up when he turns his hips too early off the snap … needs to better trust his technique versus NFL receivers … combative play style will earn him extra attention from officials (five pass interference and three defensive holding penalties in 2022) … inconsistent depth in zone/off coverage and must do a better job toggling his eyes between the backfield and route … only two career interceptions

Where he fits in

Banks will be an immediate upgrade to a secondary that lacks serious juice. His elite measurables and lockdown presence will easily translate to Wink Martindale's defense, making a practical pick at 25.