The New York Giants hit the Jackpot after drafting Deonte Banks last season, with the cornerback having a solid rookie season in East Rutherford, and now in his sophomore year, the team is eager to give him more responsibilities and making him his top option at the position, putting a big bet on him.

The Giants decided to let go of their starter of the last few years, Adoree Jackson during the offseason, choosing to spend money on other positions, thus making Banks the main man at the cornerback, with New York’s defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson, seeing him as the best suitor for the job.

We would like to see him grow and be that true No. 1 corner. There are some receivers in this league that, against anybody, you are going to want to give a corner help sometimes. You hope against those guys he plays a game where you are like, ‘OK, that’s an even matchup for the Giants.’ You hope he develops into that. He’s working his butt off to get there. I’m pushing him to get there.

Banks’ rookie season

Deonte Banks had a pretty good rookie season in 2023, as he allowed just 53 catches for 644 yards and four touchdowns across 15 games last season, according to Pro Football Focus, as he adapted pretty well to the demands of being an NFL cornerback.

He also ranked second in the NFL in fewest receptions over expected allowed (-6.7) per Next Gen Stats, making him one of the best in the league, an impressive achievement for a rookie that wasn’t even their first choice.