Training camp is finally underway as we are less than 50 days from the start of the 2025 NFL season. Depth charts are beginning to take shape and we are getting a closer look at some of the brightest talents across the league.
Every season in the NFL players break out. Chuba Hubbard ran for nearly 1,200 yards and 12 scores in 2024 and Jaxon Smith-Njigba amassed 1,130 receiving yards. But this season, two Giants are generating hype in what looks to be a bounce-back campaign for Big Blue.
Every year before the regular season begins, CBS Sports’ Zach Pereles points to 50 players who could break out that season, including at least one player from every NFL team. But for the Giants, he didn’t stop at one: he labeled two potential game-changers in Darius Slayton and Deonte Banks.
NFL insider says Deonte Banks and Darius Slayton have big seasons loading
After another offseason filled with trade speculation, Slayton is back in blue. While most of the attention regarding Giants receivers goes to Malik Nabers, WanDale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, the Auburn product is not to be slept on.
He is one of the team’s most respected leaders, and his three-year $36 million extension is about as team-friendly as it gets.
The 28-year-old remains one of the league’s most prolific deep threats, but was unable to consistently produce with Daniel Jones quarterbacking the offense. Now, he’s got Russell Wilson, one of the game’s better deep ball passes, throwing to him.
And the former sixth-rounder is elated to have a Super Bowl champion in the building.
“Since Slayton entered the NFL in 2019, he's one of four players who has caught at least 200 passes on at least 15 yards per reception, alongside Justin Jefferson, AJ Brown, and Mike Williams” wrote Pereles.
While Williams retired yesterday, this is still elite company for Slayton to be in. He serves to be one of the biggest benefactors of the revamped quarterback room in New York and could very well surpass his season-high of eight scores in 2025.
On the other side of the ball, third-year cornerback Deonte Banks is positioned for a return to form of his own. He struggled in his opening season in Shane Bowen’s scheme, but the additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland will take some pressure off of the former Maryland standout.
Especially given the 24-year-old was talked up by many--including Bowen-- during OTA's. And this doesn’t account for the growing pressure on New York’s defensive line.
“The Giants have a fearsome pass rush and newcomers Jevon Holland at safety and Paulson Adebo at cornerback, but Banks improving might be the key to tie it all together,” Pereles said.
If Banks makes that leap, it could be the cherry on top for a unit with top-10 potential and solidify one of the most balanced defenses in football.
The Giants aren’t being talked about as contenders in the NFC East, but breakout seasons from guys like Slayton and Banks could be just what this team needs to turn the tide.
If these two deliver, Big Blue could surprise more than a few people.