Steelers Might Draft Deonte Banks Over Joey Porter Jr.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are among a few teams, including their AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens, who "love" Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, according to Washington Post's Jason La Canfora. 

La Canfora said despite not doing much at his Pro Day, the Steelers are amongst teams like the Ravens and Washington Commanders who are head over heels for Banks, and could see him as their pick at 17. 

"Maryland’s Deonte Banks didn’t do much at his pro day athletically, but he didn’t have to. He is crushing his interviews and visits and could be the third corner off the board. The Commanders, Steelers and Ravens, among others, love him, and I don’t think he gets past the teens," La Canfora writes. 

With Christian Gonzalez and Devon Witherspoon both expected to be top 10 picks, the notion that Banks would go third means he surpasses Joey Porter Jr. 

For the Steelers, their only worry is the Commanders, who pick 16th. If they steal Banks, Porter Jr. is likely a fine backup plan for Pittsburgh. If they opt to go a different direction, the Steelers could leave a lot of fans shocked with their cornerback selection. 

Mike Tomlin always has strong ties to Maryland prospects, but never one this early in the draft. They've met with Banks at the NFL Combine, attended his Pro Day and brought him in for a pre-draft visit. 

If he's sitting there at 17, maybe he's Pittsburgh's top option.