One of the most encouraging storylines coming out of New York Giants' training camp this summer is fourth-year defensive back Deonte Banks.
We are finally starting to see why Banks was a first-round pick in 2023 out of Maryland, and new head coach John Harbaugh may have figured out how to use him properly and give him extra motivation.
SNY's Connor Hughes called Banks the Giants' best corner this summer, from the start of camp in West Virginia to his strong showing against the Dolphins this past week.
Giants may have finally figured out Deonte Banks and we're here for it
Banks showed more physicality for the Giants in their 26-3 preseason victory over the Dolphins on Saturday, something we hadn’t seen from him in a while. The 25-year-old had two total tackles and two pass breakups, and he finished with several impressive series that backed up the strong summer he has put together.
While he isn’t necessarily expected to start at corner in Week 1 for the G-Men, with veterans Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome II most likely in those spots, expect Banks to have a much bigger role than in the last few seasons in a Dennard Wilson-led defense.
Banks struggled significantly, making multiple mistakes, including an inability to play the ball, missed coverage, numerous penalties, and, at times, a lack of effort, which ultimately led to him taking more special teams snaps and even gaining some opportunities as a returner.
It’s hard to ignore what Banks has accomplished this summer, and it raises the question of whether he should be starting this year. Hughes added that although this coaching staff has invested a lot in Adebo and Newsome II, has high hopes for rookie Colton Hood, and really likes Dru Phillips, if you want to start the best corner come Week 1, you have to start Banks.
It makes you think about how much a player can change in one offseason with the right system around him, it’s clear that Brian Daboll and Shane Bowen simply weren't the right fit for him. With the right guidance from Harbaugh and Wilson this year, we could finally be seeing the Banks breakout season we’ve waited four seasons for.
Either way, if you had any doubts about Banks making the Giants’ 53-man roster, those doubts should be gone. Not only will he make the team, but he may also get the nod as a starter in primetime against the Dallas Cowboys on September 13th, and we're all here for it!
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