The New York Giants officially announced seven undrafted free-agent signings (UDFA) ahead of their 2026 rookie minicamp. It's an intriguing group of characters, though fans are already circling one name as a potential hidden gem: Damon Bankston.
Bankston, a running back out of New Mexico, has generated some buzz before even taking the field as a member of the Giants. He's quickly emerging as a Wave 2 offseason darling. His athletic profile, versatility and production at the collegiate level are worthy of a flier, despite being undersized (5-foot-10, 196 pounds).
Does Bankston gaining traction this early mean he'll still be around come Week 1 of the upcoming campaign? Of course, nothing is imminent, and his battle to make the final cut in August remains uphill. However, the Giants faithful's affinity for him makes this a storyline to monitor.
Giants UDFA RB Damon Bankston is garnering attention before 2026 rookie minicamp
It's hard to imagine folks getting overly excited about a UDFA, but here we are. Perhaps that speaks more to the current NFL news cycle (or lack thereof). Either way, Bobby Skinner of the Giants Nation Show believes Bankston is a "sick" player and has highlighted the New Mexico standout more than once.
New Mexico finished with a winning record and made a bowl game appearance for the first time in nearly a decade in 2025. Bankston was vital to their success, making an impact on offense and special teams. He's an explosive playmaker with the ball in his hands, which the numbers bear out.
Across 13 games last season, Bankston ran for 635 yards and five touchdowns on 114 carries. He also posted 31 receptions for an additional 397 yards and three scores. Moreover, his presence in the third unit was felt, averaging a strong 36.2 yards per kickoff return, including tying for an FBS-best two house calls.
New York already has a crowded backfield, so it'll be fascinating to see where/if Bankston fits into the picture. For what it's worth, the team didn't bring in a high-profile free agent or prospect as many expected. Not to mention starter Cam Skattebo is recovering from a fibula fracture he suffered as a rookie.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh has notably added a UDFA in 17 of 18 years during his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. So, history tells us he'll take a chance on one of the unheralded newcomers. Be that as it may, Bankston is far from a lock to make New York's 53-man roster.
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