Few people can argue that NY Giants general manager Joe Schoen absolutely made the right decision in trading up one spot to land Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Banks has been a total stud for Brian Daboll and Co. this year.
The former No. 24 overall pick completely exceeded expections for the G-Men, locking down some of the best wideouts in the game. As impressed as we've been with Banks, he still thinks he could have been better. In an interview with Art Stapleton, Banks said he's eyeing an All-Pro nod next season and there's no chance he'll miss out on the Pro Bowl. You've got to love the confidence here.
Deonte Banks has lived up to the hype for the NY Giants this season
"I want to win, that's the most important thing, but I also want to show that I can be a great player. I always knew I belonged in the league and I think I showed that. Now it's time to prove I can be great. I'm going for All-Pro. I ain't missing another Pro Bowl list. Next year, my name's gonna be on it."Deonte Banks told Art Stapleton
Banks always plays with confidence and the swagger he's displaying right now is brilliant. While the Giants are 5-11 on the year and missing out on the playoffs, Banks has lived up to the hype for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale from start to finish over the past 16 games.
On the year, the rookie has posted 64 total tackles, 11 pass deflections and two interceptions. While Dexter Lawrence is the only Giant headed to the Pro Bowl, Banks has played at a high level and he has proven that he was more than worthy of his first-round selection last April.
There are going to be plenty of roster changes for the NY defense this offseason, but Banks is locked in as a key piece for the unit moving forward. He has all the tools to become one of the best CBs in the NFC. A Pro Bowl/All-Pro honor won't be out of the question for '24. This kid has what it takes to make both happen.