What Are Deonte Banks’ 4 Best NFL Team Fits?

One of the more fluid corners in the class whose potential could see him shut down a third of the field in the near future, Maryland’s Deonte Banks is a rare case of one-size-fits-all for many NFL teams. A physically gifted talent in man to mirror and match only to then align seven yards off and blow up a screen play in zone, here are a few of my favorite fits for the uber-athletic roof defender Deonte Banks.

Washington Commanders

Just a short trip from College Park where he made his name for the Terps, Washington needs more bodies in their CBs room and Banks more than fits the script. The addition of Banks to counter the long list of tier-one wideouts in the NFC East would raise the performance ceiling of the Commanders’ unit. A zone-heavy defense under Jack Del Rio due to the lack of pure cover guys the last few years, Banks can play either extremely well and would have no issue aligning opposite a team’s ‘X’ and putting him in a seatbelt for 60 minutes.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Patrick Peterson is slated to start opposite Levi Wallace in base but more juice is needed. Peterson may end up in Canton when things are all said and done, but adding in Banks to start while working under the tutelage of Peterson could be a match made in heaven. I love his ability to play physically inside the contact window and utilize his hands to marionette receivers into trouble.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle struck gold after grabbing Tariq Woolen in the fifth round last spring, but trotting out Mike Jackson to start opposite just wouldn’t be good business. Banks and Woolen could progress into one of the top young corner duos in football in rapid fashion. 

Minnesota Vikings

Look, I like Akayleb Evans and think Andrew Booth Jr. can flat-out play, but Banks is different and I want premier perimeter stalwarts to shut down a division with weapons in abundance. He makes it look easy at any depth which I expect to translate well to the next level. Also, working against Justin Jefferson in practice every day will help, too.