Giants May Have a New Explosive Weapon No One Expected

The New York Giants have signed seven undrafted free agents with rookie minicamp underway, and while I have already made it clear that cornerback Thaddeus Dixon and monstrous defensive tackle Anquin Barnes are the most interesting of the group, another name has caught my attention.

Running back Damon Bankston.

Bankston spent the first four years of his collegiate career at Weber State before transferring to New Mexico in 2025, where he rushed for 635 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He also caught 31 passes for 397 yards and three scores.

While those numbers don't jump off the page, it's worth noting that he returned a pair of kickoffs for touchdowns last season, which indicates that he could end up representing a nice special teams weapon for the Giants.

Additionally, his production at Weber State was certainly intriguing, particularly in 2024 when he racked up 1,104 yards and six touchdowns on 6.2 yards per attempt.

Bankston stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 186 pounds, so he certainly isn't an imposing figure in the backfield. But he is a speed demon with twitchy athleticism and the ability to make things happen in the open field.

Right now, Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy are New York's top two running backs, and it will most likely stay that way heading into 2026. Devin Singletary is currently serving as the No. 3 and just took a pay cut to remain in the Big Apple.

So is there a path to a roster spot for Bankston?

Perhaps, considering Eric Gray is currently serving as the fourth halfback on the squad and has shown very little since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2023.

If Bankston can separate himself as a special teams threat in training camp and preseason or possibly even flash potential in the backfield, there is absolutely a chance that he could steal a roster slot.

Yes, Bankston went undrafted for a reason, and in what was a very thin running back class, that's certainly a bit of a concern. But it's also possible that the Giants may have landed a diamond in the rough who could become somewhat of a Swiss army knife for the team next fall.

Bankston showed serious pass-catching ability at New Mexico, as well, and although Skattebo and Tracy are perfectly capable receivers, that attribute could result in Bankston seeing the field more than anyone would expect.

Keep an eye on Bankston in the coming weeks and months. He could end up surprising a whole lot of people.

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