The initial returns on Joe Schoen’s 2023 draft class look outstanding thus far. The Giants regular season will shape how we view this class, but with the opener coming on Sunday night, it’s become clear most of Big Blue’s rookies will play critical roles.
Schoen drafted three projected Day 1 starters (Deonte Banks, Tre Hawkins III, John Michael Schmitz), a key offensive weapon (Jalin Hyatt), two rotational defensive pieces (Jordan Riley, Gervarrius Owens), and a change of pace running back (Eric Gray) in April. All seven of those picks should see meaningful snaps in their rookie seasons, a true rarity.
Here are our letter grades for NY Giants 2023 rookies during the preseason:
NY Giants CB Deonte Banks: A-
Banks had a rough first week of training camp, seemingly getting torched during every practice. The rookie quickly adjusted, something he will have to do while playing DB in the NFL, and became a standout defensive player in August.
Banks showed out during the preseason, not allowing a single completion on four targets. No rookie cornerback had a better preseason than Banks. His play most definitely has people excited about what he can get done this campaign.
Most coverage snaps played without allowing a catch this Preseason (Rookie CBs):
— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 22, 2023
🔒 Deonte Banks - 33 pic.twitter.com/mm0AM2BNcq
In early June, Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale spoke glowingly about Banks.
"He’s very instinctive ....what'd Ted Lasso say? He lives like a Goldfish. He’s got a short memory. He’s tough minded. He’s physical, he can tackle, and on top of that he can run. We are excited about him."Wink Martindale
With Banks all set to start against the Cowboys in Week 1, he's going to have high expectations right from the start. The G-Men traded up to land him at No. 24 and people were fired up for the selection that night. Now, we'll see how he'll be able to do with the bright lights on him against Dallas in primetime.