Experts grade Giants' first-round pick: 'Perfect type of cornerback'
The New York Giants landed cornerback Deonte Banks out of Maryland in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Giants traded up from No. 25 to No. 24 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, surrendering a fifth-round (No. 160) and a seventh-round (No. 240) pick in order to land Banks.
Experts praised the Giants' decision to select the former Terrapin, highlighting Banks' strong fit in Wink Martindale's defense.
Here are expert reactions to the Giants' first-round pick.
The Ringer's Danny Kelly
"The former Maryland star is a twitchy athlete with good size who plays with anticipation in coverage."
Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald
"Deonte Banks is the perfect type of cornerback for Wink Martindale's scheme. He can strap up in man coverage, which is essential for the blitz-happy defensive coordinator. Banks isn't a perfect fit for every team, but he certainly is for this one."
ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.
Picks Kiper liked
"Cornerback Deonte Banks is a nice pickup for the Giants. ... Banks is fast and tough. He did not allow a catch of over 30 yards all season. The Giants got him at No. 24, and he's No. 20 in my rankings."
Pro Football Focus
Grade: Very Good
"The third-best cornerback on the PFF big board, Banks can fly and clocked a 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. An elite athlete, he has proven that he can mirror wide receivers in college and has the size teams look for at the position. He produced a 72.0 PFF grade in his final season at Maryland, the best of his college career."
NFL.com's Chad Reuter
"The Giants traded two Day 3 picks to move up from No. 25 to No. 24 to select Banks, a nice size/speed combination prospect who looked fluid during workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine. He'll likely line up outside as a rookie to bolster that group."
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco
"He's an impressive man-cover player who will fit in perfectly with Wink Martindale's defense. Banks is a cocky player who played his best against good players. I like this pick."
Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano
"The Giants filled a need in the secondary with the addition of Banks, who could develop into a quality outside cornerback because of his size and speed."
The 33rd Team
"Banks is a physical corner with ideal size and high-level athletic tools."