Undoubtedly, one of the most underwhelming players of the New York Giants' 2024 campaign was second-year defensive back Deonte Banks. The former first-rounder out of Maryland had struggles both on and off the field this season, setting the stage for a make-or-break 2025.
Banks missed three games this season due to a rib injury but started all 14 games he was active for. After an impressive rookie campaign in 2023—finishing with 53 solo tackles, 11 passes defended, and two interceptions—Banks' performance took a noticeable dip, with fewer tackles and no interceptions in 2024. On the bright side, he did manage one more pass defended than his rookie season.
What stood out most about Banks' disappointing 2024 season was his off-the-field issues, which drew backlash from both Giants fans and the coaching staff, including defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson.
Banks was benched in the second half of the Giants' 26-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 due to a lack of hustle and effort in that game and the prior week’s loss to the Eagles. In the Eagles game, Banks failed to tackle veteran quarterback Jalen Hurts on a third-down 16-yard scramble that would have forced an easy three-and-out for New York's defense.
Henderson and the Giants coaching staff had previously criticized Banks for not hustling after allowing a 55-yard touchdown to Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in Big Blue's 20-15 loss to Dallas.
These incidents raised eyebrows around the organization, with some questioning whether Banks' attitude stemmed from the team's defensive struggles or frustration with his own performance.
Is Deonte Banks the next example of a Giants first-rounder turned bust?
This isn't the first time the Giants have seen a recent first-round pick battle on- and off-the-field issues early in his career. The 2022 No. 7 overall pick, offensive lineman Evan Neal out of Alabama, has endured his fair share of struggles during his three seasons in New York.
Neal has struggled to stay healthy during his time with the Giants and faced backlash in 2023 for comments directed at fans after New York's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, where Daniel Jones was sacked 11 times.
Neal's role has diminished every season he has played in the NFL. In nine appearances this year, he started just seven games. The veteran offensive tackle began the season as a backup, only earning opportunities due to injuries to the Giants' starting offensive linemen.
Neal has been labeled a bust, and Giants fans have no long-term confidence in him. He joins a list of first-round disappointments from the past decade, including offensive lineman Ereck Flowers and cornerback Eli Apple.
While Banks will remain one of New York's starting cornerbacks in 2025 and hasn't yet reached Neal’s level of disappointment, Joe Schoen and the Giants front office need to keep a close eye on him. Pursuing another cornerback in free agency or the NFL Draft to push Banks into the No. 2 cornerback slot could be a smart move.
This upcoming season will be pivotal for Banks and could significantly impact the franchise's future. Giants fans are hoping Banks won’t join the unfortunate list of recent first-round busts and heinous draft mistakes.