Coming into the year, the Maryland staff raved about Banks’ potential. After excelling as a sophomore in 2020, Banks was limited to just 54 snaps in 2021. Because of that, many analysts didn’t have Banks ranked last fall. It didn’t take long for everyone to realize that Banks was a legitimate NFL talent. He passes the eye test with a great combination of size, length and play strength. Banks looks like he was built in a lab and has the cornerback mentality to match his tools. He is physical at the line of scrimmage, with the speed and hip fluidity to stay attached to receivers. Banks has very good route recognition and is rarely out of position. Against the top competition, Banks always stepped up and showed why he is a first-round cornerback and blue chip prospect in the class. I won’t be shocked if he ends up being the best cornerback from this class and a lockdown CB1.
DS Jartavius "Quan" Martin
In terms of a pure “football player,” it doesn’t get much better than Martin. He can play safety, nickel and outside cornerback. He can be a legitimate chess piece defensively, who has the speed and range to play deep free safety, while also providing high-end reps in the slot. Martin is a loose athlete who is one of the most explosive players in the draft. An 11’1 broad jump and 44-inch vertical backed up that explosiveness on film. Martin didn’t miss tackles and is fearless in the run game. His overall instincts and understanding of where to be on the field were unbelievable. Defensive coordinators are going to fall in love with his football IQ. The ball skills are there for him to create turnovers at the next level as well. Kerby Joseph was a very good prospect and arguably the best rookie safety in the 2022 class and Martin is an even better prospect. He is my top safety in the draft and will be an excellent pick in the second round.
