Now that the 2023 NFL Draft is a thing of the past, that doesn't mean that NY Giants fans aren't still fired up about the major haul from the weekend. At the top of the list, the addition of Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks at No. 24 overall is something that must continue to be celebrated.
With the way things shaped out in the first round, the Giants moving up one spot to select Banks was 100 percent the right call. Some people continue to call Joe Schoen out for it, but here's three reasons why we think the GM was spot on with his decision:
3. The NY Giants didn't reach at all in landing Deonte Banks
While there were some eye-popping picks that nobody but the team drafting the player saw coming, the Giants sat at No. 25 for most of the first round watching the board play out. After a late run on receivers just picks before the Giants were up, the Giants made sure they did not sit back and just hope that Banks would be there for them.
There were rumors of multiple teams potentially trading up ahead of the Giants to No. 24 to take Banks, so Schoen made his move. Banks was the top corner on the Giants board from the beginning and they did not have to make some trade into the Top 10 /15 to get him. The panic button was never hit.
They instead moved up one spot, traded late picks away, and got the CB stud they were hoping for. Banks will now line up opposite of Adoree' Jackson. This fact alone must have defensive coordinator Wink Martindale pretty dang fired up.
Schoen noted that the first-round players on their board were getting 'depleted' with Quentin Johnston, Jordan Addison, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and others getting selected. Schoen remained calm and brought in a playmaker for the defense. There's nothing to complain about here.
2. Deonte Banks is a perfect scheme fit for the Giants defense
Let's be real here, going with Banks pick was THE pick for the Giants. It was clear from the reaction in the draft war room when the selection was made. The happiest man in the room was Martindale, who had no choice but to bear hug Schoen.
Why was Wink so jacked up? Banks is a fantastic cornerback with some very freaky physical attributes. Banks checks in at 6-0, 197 pounds. He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash, posted a 42-inch vertical, and recorded an 11'4" in the broad jump.
He is a strong, fast, physical shutdown corner and while he offers some scheme versatility, he excels at press man coverage, which is what Martindale wants out of his corners. Per Pro Football Focus, Banks only allowed one receiver to have 50+ yards on him in his Maryland career.
Banks is also a sure tackler and an all-around corner that the Giants simply have not had in a long while. He has already worked out with and spoken to Giants defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson. Just thinking of a secondary including Banks, Jackson, Cor'Dale Flott and Xavier McKinney should excite Giants fans.
1. Deonte Banks was worthy of going all in on
The Giants definitely did their homework with the wide receiver group this year and while it would have been nice to potentially have one of the top four guys at the wide receiver position fall to the Giants, it did not happen. This speaks volumes as to what they thought about Banks given the fact that they were wiling to trade up to get him. Again, Schoen didn't want anyone else to land him.
After watching Smith, Addison, Johnson and Zay Flowers get taken, the Giants knew not to force a need. They have a deep room of receivers and while they may not have a true WR1, they have players that fit the system and fit with what Schoen and Daboll have preached since the beginning of the season: speed and separation.
The Giants did not run to the podium and draft Jalin Hyatt or Josh Downs earlier than needed - they took their top guy. Luckily, Hyatt was available in the third round, and Schoen made another trade to move up to select him. This only made the Banks pick that much better for the second-year GM.
Imagine if Schoen would have panicked and gone with Hyatt at No. 25 overall? People would not have been happy, but they would have also understood his need to go after a speedy WR. Instead, Schoen stuck to his guns and landed Banks at No. 24. Then, he not only got Hyatt on Day 2, but he also picked center John Michael Schmitz in the second round. Talk about a masterclass from Schoen.
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