There was never any doubt that Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott would be squaring off for the New York Giants’ second starting cornerback spot next to Paulson Adebo. The question was who would get the first crack at showing the coaching staff they belonged.
Banks and Flott are now officially locked into a training camp battle for CB2. After a rough second season, Banks came into camp needing to prove he’s cleaned up both his coverage and his attitude. His effort last year cost him his starting role — now he has to earn it all over again. Enter Flott.
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The 23-year-old is heading into a contract year with a lot on the line — for both playing time and money. If he wants to finally break through and stick in this league, this is his time to shine. He’s going to get that shot and then some, as the Giants threw a curveball by giving Flott the first-team reps to open camp.
Cor'Dale Flott is in the driver's seat... for now
Per The Athletic's Dan Duggan, Flott opened the day opposite Adebo — a pretty bold move from defensive coordinator Shane Bowen and the defensive staff right out of the gate.
It was a move that squarely put Banks under the microscope. But maybe that’s exactly what he needed. Instead of reacting negatively and pouting, Banks showed off his newfound maturity by doing what the best of the best do: putting his head down and getting to work.
Later in practice, Banks was getting reps on the outside. Lined up against Malik Nabers, the 24-year-old was tested immediately with a pass from Russell Wilson. Nabers ran a fade to the end zone, but before he could turn back to make the catch, Banks was already there to break up the play.
Deonte Banks shuts down the end zone fade attempt to Malik Nabers pic.twitter.com/xDOa0tCJ6c
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 23, 2025
If this is how quickly Banks is processing and responding to adversity in 2025, maybe he’s finally ready to take the leap the organization hoped for when they drafted him with the 24th overall pick.
The pass breakup was a good start, but it likely won’t change the depth chart overnight. Expect the G-Men to keep rolling Flott out with the ones. Banks still has all of camp to prove he’s ready to reclaim the job — and giving Flott those early reps in the meantime might end up being exactly what this room needed.
If this is how the battle’s starting, CB2 might end up being one of the most entertaining fights at camp — and exactly the kind of pressure that finally brings the best out of Banks and Flott.