Understanding Deonte Banks’ Journey
Sometimes the meaning of a word changes based on how you say it. This was clear when Giants’ new defensive backs coach Addison Lynch shared his thoughts on player Deonte Banks. In response to whether he understood why Banks was a first-round draft pick, Lynch succinctly expressed, “Oh… so… Lute… Rye.”
This phrase can, perhaps, also address another question: Was Banks a poor choice for the Giants? After a hopeful start to his rookie season in 2023, Banks faced challenges, and it wouldn’t be surprising if head coach John Harbaugh considered leaving him off the roster due to his past performance. At times, he displayed a noticeable lack of energy during games. Still, Harbaugh is dedicated to providing Banks with an opportunity to show he can leverage his athletic abilities to turn things around.
“He has intangibles,” Lynch explained. “He’s big, fast, can tackle, jump, and catch. My job is to position him to showcase those intangibles effectively. His parents gave him raw skills, and it’s my responsibility to make those skills shine on the field.”
Lynch is a vital addition to Harbaugh’s coaching team, focused on maximizing Banks’ contributions for the upcoming season. He works directly with Banks, alongside Donald Dalesio, who is the passing game coordinator and secondary coach, and Denard Wilson, the defensive coordinator. Interestingly, all three coaches came in as newcomers, only knowing Banks as a college talent. This aligns with Harbaugh’s vision of a fresh start, despite acknowledging that Banks “didn’t play that great” in his previous time with the Giants.
“But can he play better? I think he is,” Harbaugh noted.
With new perspectives at play, Wilson commented on their connection, saying, “I know Banks. He’s a Maryland Tharp, and I’m a Maryland Tharp. I have a bit of background with him. He’s a talented player—big, strong, but his career has had ups and downs.”
Wilson praised his fellow coaches, asserting D’Alesio and Lynch are excellent at teaching the nuances of defensive back techniques. However, at the end of the day, it’s on Banks to reroute his career’s trajectory. The Giants haven’t exactly laid out an easy path for him, having signed former Browns first-round pick Greg Newsome II to an $8 million deal and drafting Colton Hood. Paulson Adebo, who joined as a high-profile free agent, returns after a lukewarm first year, as does Drew Phillips, who plays in the slot. Both Adebo and Newsome have been first-tier corners this spring.
A defense can never have too many cornerbacks, but Banks will need to excel in the new system to earn a place. He currently represents a $4.3 million cap hit, meaning cutting him would incur dead money. Last season, he found himself cycled into kick return duties, though that won’t be the case now.
“We aimed to demonstrate that consistency was key for him,” Lynch shared. “He’s made strides in that area, boosting his confidence and readiness for the upcoming season.”
Throughout the recent organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, the 25-year-old Banks showed signs of urgency, which had been lacking in previous seasons. This improvement has created positive momentum leading up to training camp.
As a rookie, Banks thrived in a press corner role within Wink Martindale’s scheme, and there’s hope that Wilson will deploy him similarly. “I like his approach,” Lynch said. “He’s putting in the extra work—studying, executing what we ask, and making plays. He’s improved his technique, especially when fatigued, and this positions him for success.”
If this forward trajectory results in a roster spot and a defined role for Banks, it would be nothing short of an “outrageous… very… amazing” upset. As he enters the final year of his rookie contract, he needs to harness his size, speed, and strength effectively to secure his future with the team.
