Whenever you're a first-round pick, there's always going to be extra pressure on you to perform early on. NY Giants cornerback Deonte Banks knows all about that, as the No. 24 overall selection has countless people keeping close tabs on him in East Rutherford this week.
You think the extra pressure is going to have any kind of an impact on his game? Not a chance. Banks has all the confidence in the world. It doesn't matter what situation he's put in for the Big Blue defense: Banks is going to be ready to answer the call for defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
"I feel like I can challenge anything. I can always hold my own."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 28, 2023
- Deonte Banks pic.twitter.com/fOK8yuYUnl
Deonte Banks is confident he can have a strong season for the NY Giants
From the moment general manager Joe Schoen sent in the pick to land Banks, Martindale has been thrilled. With the way Wink runs his defense, adding someone like Banks made a ton of sense for the unit moving forward.
With players high on NY's board being taken left and right, Schoen decided he couldn't wait any longer and he moved up in the first round to rock with Banks. The 6-2, 205-pounder out of Maryland posted 38 total tackles and one interception in 2022.
After a strong showing at the NFL Combine, it only boosted Banks' stock. With cornerback being an issue for the Giants in recent seasons, especially in '22, fans were hoping that Schoen would bring in either a CB or receiver for the team's first pick.
Luckily, Banks has made his way to East Rutherford. This kid can certainly talk the talk, but soon enough we'll find out if he can walk the walk too. Again, there's going to be a lot of pressure on him to step up and play beyond his years this fall and winter. With that said, Banks has no doubt in his mind that he'll be able to deliver for this coaching staff.
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