There may still be hope for this New York Giants bust.
Back in 2023, the New York Giants selected cornerback Deonte Banks with the 24th overall pick of the NFL Draft, hoping that he would help stabilize their secondary.
Early on, Banks showed some positive signs, and while he still clearly had work to do, there appeared to be significant potential there.
But then, Banks regressed in 2024, and he fell off a cliff last year, playing in just 44 percent of the Giants' defensive snaps after getting benched.
But is it possible that New York's former coaching staff was actually what was failing the University of Maryland product?
Banks is a big, physical corner who works very well in press coverage. That certainly was not the type of defense Shane Bowen employed as defensive coordinator.
It does, however, appear to be right up Dennard Wilson's alley, so perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise that Banks has resurfaced in the Giants' offseason program and now has a chance to reclaim a starting job.
In fact, Banks received plenty of first team reps in organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, and he performed very well.
New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images.Yes, New York declined the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, but that was an obvious decision. Banks still needs to prove himself because, well, let's be honest: he hasn't been very good.
However, the 25-year-old does have a chance to earn himself a second contract with Big Blue if he puts together a strong showing in 2026.
The Giants' cornerback position is very thin right now. Along with Banks, the room features Paulson Adebo, Greg Newsome II and Colton Hood.
Adebo was a major disappointment during is debut campaign in New York last season, Newsome is an underwhelming former first-round pick himself and while Hood is immensely talented, he is just a rooke.
Clearly, there is opportunity for Banks to step into a major role this coming fall, and John Harbaugh's coaching staff appears to be setting him up for success.
Confidence could be an issue for Banks, who was frequently burned last year and ended up posting a 42.4 overall grade at Pro Football Focus. That ranked 112th out of 114 qualifying corners.
But Harbaugh and Co. seem to be doing a great job of rebuilding the youngster, who could revitalize his career and serve as a massive sleeper for the Giants come September.
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