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Raiders Opponent Rookie Spotlight: Deonte Banks

Originally posted on FanNation Raider Maven
By Carter Landis | Last updated 11/2/23

The Las Vegas Raiders will return home to Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon.

The Giants have struggled as a team this season, but they have a serviceable defensive unit. Despite the numbers, Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale’s unit is playing reasonably.

The Giants are getting production on defense from all three levels. Defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence looks like a true Player of the Year candidate. Linebacker Bobby Okereke is starting to play at a high level. Safety Xavier McKinney continues to be a franchise cornerstone.

But there is one rookie who Martindale and the Giants have deployed who has played well, and that’s cornerback Deonte Banks. The Giants selected Banks with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Maryland, where he was teammates with Raiders rookie corner Jakorian Bennett. The two formed a strong duo in the Terrapins’ secondary.

Banks has played 422 snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus, a clear sign that Martindale believes in his abilities as a rookie cornerback. Cornerback is one of the toughest positions to play in the NFL, and it’s even tougher as a rookie, but Banks has complete faith in his coaching staff.

In those 422 snaps, Banks has posted 26 total tackles, a tackle for loss, six passes defended, and an interception. He has been targeted 49 times this season and has allowed just 27 receptions.

Last week against the New York Jets, Banks drew a match-up with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson. While Wilson got the better of him in the game, Banks continues to earn valuable snaps against the league’s top receivers.

At 6-foot and 205 pounds, Banks uses his size to get physical with his match-up, using elite technique and footwork to stay in the receiver’s pocket. He has good athleticism and speed, which allows him to go stride-for-stride with receivers.

Banks will likely match up with Davante Adams, which will be a true test for him. Adams has not been as involved with the offense as he would like to be recently but is always likely to have a big game.

The Raiders have not been able to move the ball this season, and they will need to find success through the air against the impressive rookie Banks if they want to defeat the Giants.

The Silver and Black will return to Allegiant Stadium to take on the New York Giants on Sunday, Nov. 5, at 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST.

This article first appeared on FanNation Raider Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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