It’s no secret the Bengals secondary needs some help, specifically in the corner room. Over the last season the Bengals allowed a 234 yard average of passing yards per game against them.
That number would be good for 7th worst in the league. The last game they allowed 315 yards, surely that left a sour taste in Bengals fans mouths.
Deonte Banks squeezing the receiver towards the sideline. Yet again keys in on the receivers eyes so he knows when to locate the football. High points it and makes a play pic.twitter.com/So8vlQqii6
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) January 17, 2023
The Bengals current cornerback depth chart is filled with journeymen. Chidobe Awuzie is under contract for one more season, Eli Apple is slated to hit free agency, Mike Hilton is the only listed starter who is under contract for more than one more season.
All three of those players are 27 as well, which is not old necessarily; but it is not young either. Not one of their listed starters started off on their rookie deal with the Bengals.
Let’s talk about someone who can be that for them. Let’s talk about Maryland CB, Deonte Banks. Banks is a bit of a late bloomer in this draft process, but don’t let that fool you, he has worked his way into the first-round of most mock drafts.
Banks has exceptional awareness, he is consistently aware of what offenses are trying to do, he has great change of direction ability. He is very good in both man and zone coverages.
Now let’s get to the weaknesses, and the list won’t be that long. He was rarely asked to jam anyone at the line of scrimmage and he has shown some lack in technique here, but he has had some serious flashes as well.
Deonte Banks in zone. Sees the ball is thrown, comes down to contest the throw. Times the contest quite well. It would be ruled incomplete following the PBU. pic.twitter.com/O57VYyFGND
— Tyler Browning (@DiabeticTyler) January 17, 2023
His long speed leaves me with questions as he was never matched up against any true speedsters in college football. His physicality, specifically in run support leaves some to be desired. There is no guarantee he makes it to 28, but if the Bengals are looking at corner with their first pick, they would be hard pressed to find someone better than Banks.
