Pair of Terps Still Generating First Round Buzz in 2023 NFL Mock Drafts

Maryland has a chance to set a program-record for draft picks when the 2023 NFL Draft begins in April and heading into March, one Terp is still finding his way into the first round of mock drafts. Former Maryland left tackle Jaelyn Duncan is projected to come off the board in a pair of CBS Sports’ mock drafts. One mock draft projects Duncan to go 19th to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the second doesn’t have the four-year starter waiting much longer, coming off the board with the 24th pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Duncan is one of the more-gifted athletes at the offensive tackle spot in this class,” CBS Sports wrote when projecting Duncan to the NFC South. “The Buccaneers need to upgrade one of their tackle positions.” The analysis for the Jags wasn’t much different. “The Jaguars could go in plenty of directions here, but protecting Trevor Lawrence is priority No. 1 in Jacksonville. Duncan's 2022 film wasn't tremendous, yet he has big-time athletic upside.” Duncan, ranked as the 13th-best tackle and 103rd-best prospect, has a chance to become the highest Maryland lineman drafted since Bruce Campbell was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. As a four-star prospect out of St. Frances (MD) in the 2018 class, Duncan started the final 11 games of his redshirt freshman season and never looked back, starting 39 games throughout his college career as he helped anchor an offensive line that could send three to the NFL next fall. CBS Sports also projected cornerback Deonte Banks to come off the board to the Miami Dolphins with the 51st overall pick, but he’s also found himself in the first round in a number of prior mock drafts. Sports Illustrated has Banks coming off the board with the 13th pick to Houston, PFF projects the 19th pick to Tampa Bay, NFL.com projects the 22nd pick to Baltimore while ESPN, The Athletic and USA Today have the Edgewood native as a late first-round pick. In NFL.com’s latest mock draft released on Tuesday, Banks landed with the Minnesota Vikings with the 23rd overall selection. “Banks has good size, and I think you’ll see his stock rise as the evaluation process unfolds. The cornerback is physical and tough.” Banks registered nine pass breakups and an interception as a junior and despite lined up against NFL talents like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rashee Rice this season, the junior cornerback failed to allow a reception over 30 yards in 2022. Banks finished the season ranked tied for third in the Big Ten in pass break-ups (11) and tied for fifth in passes defended (13). The 2023 NFL Draft is set for April 27-29 in Kansas City. Related Links Preview: Maryland basketball looks to bounce back vs. Minnesota Dominating run proves the difference in 96-68 win vs. Iowa Terps baseball falls to WVU in home opener, drops to .500  Maryland signee named first team All-Conference Maryland football announces dates for spring ball, spring game Four star safety eyeing spring visit and official to Maryland (+)