The New York Giants just wrapped up their spring practices and are now heading into the long break before the start of training camp. During OTAs and minicamp, the coaching staff got an idea of what the team’s strengths and weaknesses will be this upcoming season. All eyes have seemingly been glued to Big Blue’s new group of offensive playmakers, but perhaps more attention needs to be paid to a rising star in the secondary.
Deonte Banks named the “most impressive” player at Giants’ spring practices
In the latest edition of Fact or Fiction on Giants.com, the writing crew debated whether or not Malik Nabers was the most impressive player during the spring practices. While Dan Salamone and Matt Citak both voted fact, John Schmeelk voted fiction, then pointed to Banks as the spring practices’ true standout:
“As fun as Nabers was to watch, I am going with Deonte Banks,” Schmeelk wrote. “Banks might have given up a catch or two, but he was always in the neighborhood and didn’t let anyone run away from him on passes down the field. Banks is never someone to lack for confidence, but you can definitely see the seasoning of a second-year player paying dividends with how he is operating out there.”
A lot of attention has been paid to Nabers and his fellow playmakers this spring. But Banks being listed as a standout performer is notable and exciting. The Giants’ 2023 first-round pick flashed potential as a rookie, but needs to take a big step forward this season as the team’s primary cornerback.
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Banks could be embarking on a breakout 2024 campaign
As a rookie, Banks earned just a 51.4 overall Pro Football Focus grade. However, his first season still felt like a positive one, as Banks was thrown into the fire against some of the NFL’s best wide receivers and managed to hold his own on more than one occasion.
Banks finished the season with 64 combined tackles, two tackles for loss, 11 pass defenses, and two interceptions in 15 starts. He was targeted 96 times in coverage and surrendered only 53 (55.2%) completions for 606 and four touchdowns.
Overall, his rookie stat line was not so bad. Banks flashed the potential that got him drafted in the first round. But stepping into a larger role in year two, the Giants need Banks to play with more consistency this season. Thankfully, he seems to be on the way toward achieving that goal, standing out and performing well throughout the spring practices. Now Banks needs to maintain that momentum through training camp and embark on his breakout 2024 season.