New York Giants sophomore cornerback Deonte Banks endured an up-and-down rookie season in 2023. Banks possesses the required skill set to enjoy a breakout year in 2024. The Giants have also made defensive improvements that will benefit his performance.
The No. 25 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Giants placed immediate trust in Banks. He routinely played press-man, one-on-one coverage against opposing receivers on an island. Banks was also the Giants' most-snapped cornerback in 2023, totaling 844. There were moments of brilliance and also ones where the rookie cover-man looked overwhelmed.
Banks allowed zero receptions on two targets in his NFL debut, per Pro Football Focus' charting. The following week, he was credited with allowing four catches on six targets for 49 yards versus the Arizona Cardinals. Banks then conceded the first touchdowns of his career in back-to-back games versus the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks in Weeks 3 and 4. He bounced back with arguably the best showing of his season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Despite facing Miami's high-octane offense, the ex-Maryland standout allowed just three catches for 15 yards.
Great insight from Malik Nabers into how he and Deonte Banks are competing and making each other better in my diary of the rookie’s practice yesterday: https://t.co/lBun2dnWvH pic.twitter.com/1frfLybJZo
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) July 31, 2024
Banks really hit the infamous midseason rookie wall. From Weeks 7 to 10, the first-rounder allowed 87-plus receiving yards in every appearance, twice surpassing 100 receiving yards allowed. Banks suffered coverage grades of 28.1 and 37.2 through this difficult stretch. Banks recovered well by playing his best ball toward the conclusion of his rookie campaign.
The Baltimore native possesses the physical skill set necessary to rise to shutdown cornerback level. The Giants will continue believing in his abilities. Giants general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have made changes to their coaching staff and personnel that should benefit Banks. Last year's defensive coordinator Don Martindale has been replaced by former Tennessee Titans DC Shane Bowen. Bowen routinely fielded quality defenses in Tennessee under the guise of Mike Vrabel.
Good pass defense by Deonte Banks vs. Malik Nabers pic.twitter.com/FzdI7JKph8
— Paul Schwartz (@NYPost_Schwartz) July 26, 2024
Sweeping changes have been made in the secondary as well. Veteran players like Xavier McKinney and Adoree’ Jackson aren't returning. Schoen responded to their departures by using two top-100 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on safety Tyler Nubin and cornerback Andru Phillips. The Giants are also counting on ascending cornerbacks Cordale Flott and Darnay Holmes to take steps forward. Banks and his compatriots should grow together.
The Giants' biggest offseason acquisition that will make Banks' life easier occurred up front. Schoen executed a blockbuster trade to acquire two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Brian Burns from the Carolina Panthers. Pairing Burns with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence should give Bowen one of the best defensive lines in the league. Banks and Co. shouldn't have to cover for long before the Giants are getting into opposing backfields.
Banks' rookie season went as expected given the sizable responsibility put on his plate. The second-year cornerback now appears primed for a breakout campaign. Banks is a physical man-cover cornerback who will benefit from playing in coach Bowen's upgraded defense this fall.
