Jacksonville Jaguars add CB Deonte Banks in Daniel Jeremiah's 2023 NFL Mock Draft 3.0

The Jacksonville Jaguars have started to add players this offseason. Besides bolstering the depth on the defensive line, they also signed former Cleveland Browns running back D'Ernest Johnson. However, the Jags still need to add another cornerback but they can afford to wait until the 2023 NFL Draft to do so. Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media thinks they should go with Maryland's Deonte Banks, who will be one of many intriguing prospects available when they're on the clock in the first round.

Jeremiah recently posted the 3.0 version of his mock draft and he has Jacksonville going with Banks at No. 24. He argues that Banks posted great numbers at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine and adds that he can help the Jags right off the bat.

"Banks crushed his NFL Scouting Combine workout and his tape is really solid, too. Jacksonville needs to get better on the back end and Banks is ready to play right away"

At 6-2, Banks possesses great length but also has superb lateral agility, which isn't common for corners his size. On the other hand, Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network points out that the former Maryland Terrapin often gets too aggressive when jamming receivers, which can lead to him either missing his assignment or resorting to holding. Sanchez goes on to say that Banks must work on his technique if he wants to develop into a solid man-to-man corner at the NFL level.

Drafting Deonte Banks comes with prons and cons for the Jacksonville Jaguars

Christian Gonzalez is arguably the top cornerback prospect in this year's class, and he will likely be gone by the time the Jacksonville Jaguars pick in the first round. But even at No. 24, many of the top prospects will still be available. In fact, many (if not all of them) have been previously mocked to the Jags.

While someone like Cam Smith makes sense for the Jaguars due to his ability to line up inside and outside, Banks has many things going in his favor, including his top-notch athleticism. Banks embraces the physicality of the game and although it can come back to bite him, that's something he can refine and calibrate with good coaching.

Similarly, Banks mostly played in the boundaries at Maryland, so he would need to adjust to manning the slot, the position where he would probably start his NFL career if he were drafted by Jacksonville. Then again, he could make the adjustment under the tutelage of Jaguars cornerbacks coach Deshea Townsend.

In the off chance that Banks isn't ready to go by the start of the regular season, the Jags could temporarily go with veteran Tre Herndon, who is back with the team after signing a one-year deal.

The Jaguars already have a couple of outside corners in Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell. Moreover, Herndon can play if called upon, so they wouldn't have to rush Banks into action if they like his athletic upside.