The New York Giants landed Maryland CB Deonte Banks in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft, giving them an elite prospect in the secondary. Banks has been turning heads this summer, having a stellar preseason campaign and earning a role in the starting lineup.
As Week 1 of the 2023 regular season approaches, the Giants are preparing for a crucial, primetime divisional matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. Banks will be tested by one of the league’s very best in the matchup, but he is still entering his debut game with a fearless mindset.
Giants rookie CB Deonte Banks fears “nobody”
As he prepares to make his NFL regular-season debut next weekend, Banks is entering the league with a fearless mindset. When asked about his thoughts on the Giants’ Week 1 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, Banks offered respect but made it clear he has no fear as gameday nears.
“I respect them. They’re real good, but when I step on the field I fear nobody.”
Deonte Banks via The Giant Insider
Banks will be baptized by fire in Week 1
Despite having no fear over his upcoming matchup, Banks still has a tall task ahead of him in Week 1. The Dallas Cowboys possess an elite group of skill position players headlined by second-team All-Pro WR CeeDee Lamb. In 2022, Lamb totaled 1,359 receiving yards and nine touchdowns for Dallas, proving to be one of the best wideouts in the NFL.
Banks will lineup across from Lamb in Week 1, instantly being tested by one of the league’s best-receiving talents. So far, Banks has fared well against all of his matchups in the preseason. Across his 33 coverage snaps, Banks was targeted four times, surrendering 0 receptions 39.6 passer rating allowed in the preseason, per Pro Football Focus.
According to PFF, throughout his entire collegiate career, Banks only allowed 50+ yards in a game once. The Giants landed an elite talent in the first round of this year’s draft. Banks will have an opportunity to prove his skills against one of the NFL’s best receivers in the first game of the season.