KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Maryland defensive back Deonte Banks was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday night. Banks was chosen No. 24 overall, becoming the highest Terrapin draft pick since D.J. Moore also went No. 24 overall in 2018.
Banks is the 18th player in program history to be selected in the first round. Over the last six NFL Drafts, Maryland has had three first round selections (DJ Moore, Darnell Savage Jr.), the fifth most of any Big Ten program.
With Banks’ selection, Maryland has now had a player chosen in six straight and 27 of the last 29 NFL Drafts. The Terps have also had a defensive back selected in four of the last five drafts (Nick Cross, Antoine Brooks Jr., Darnell Savage Jr.).
“The Giants are getting a truly special player and person,” said Maryland Head Coach Michael Locksley. “I know Deonte has been dreaming of this moment ever since being a kid growing up in Baltimore. I've seen firsthand the hard work and tireless effort he’s put into becoming a great player and teammate. I’m so proud of him and elated for his entire family.”
Banks registered nine pass break-ups and an interception, while not allowing a reception of over 30 yards when targeted during his redshirt junior season in 2022. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks allowed only a 43.3-percent completion percentage when targeted by opposing offenses (26-for-60), the 18th-best mark in the nation and second-best in the Big Ten.
A 2022 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection, Banks totaled 38 tackles (25 solo) for a much improved Terrapins defense, which allowed its fewest number of points per game and total touchdowns since 2010. Banks was star at the 2023 NFL Combine, running a 4.35 40-yard dash and posting a 42” vertical jump and an 11’4” broad jump.
Banks is expected to graduate with his degree in Family Science next month.
The NFL Draft continues on Friday with the second and third rounds. The draft concludes on Saturday with final four rounds.
Banks is the 18th player in program history to be selected in the first round. Over the last six NFL Drafts, Maryland has had three first round selections (DJ Moore, Darnell Savage Jr.), the fifth most of any Big Ten program.
With Banks’ selection, Maryland has now had a player chosen in six straight and 27 of the last 29 NFL Drafts. The Terps have also had a defensive back selected in four of the last five drafts (Nick Cross, Antoine Brooks Jr., Darnell Savage Jr.).
“The Giants are getting a truly special player and person,” said Maryland Head Coach Michael Locksley. “I know Deonte has been dreaming of this moment ever since being a kid growing up in Baltimore. I've seen firsthand the hard work and tireless effort he’s put into becoming a great player and teammate. I’m so proud of him and elated for his entire family.”
Banks registered nine pass break-ups and an interception, while not allowing a reception of over 30 yards when targeted during his redshirt junior season in 2022. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks allowed only a 43.3-percent completion percentage when targeted by opposing offenses (26-for-60), the 18th-best mark in the nation and second-best in the Big Ten.
A 2022 Honorable Mention All-Big Ten selection, Banks totaled 38 tackles (25 solo) for a much improved Terrapins defense, which allowed its fewest number of points per game and total touchdowns since 2010. Banks was star at the 2023 NFL Combine, running a 4.35 40-yard dash and posting a 42” vertical jump and an 11’4” broad jump.
Banks is expected to graduate with his degree in Family Science next month.
The NFL Draft continues on Friday with the second and third rounds. The draft concludes on Saturday with final four rounds.
