What Deonte Banks has proven after two seasons is that he's not completely wasting a first-round draft pick like DeAndre Baker or Kadarius Toney.
Will he be lumped in with the Giants' too many available first-rounders over the past decade, especially Erec Flowers, Eli Apple, and Evan Neal, or will he be an effective starting cornerback? Whether he will be able to regain his career will be judged next season.
“I've always been confident, but I feel like I've got to be more consistent so I can be straight,” Banks told the Post. “You have to be consistent in the way you approach things and the way you play. Consistency with your eyes, being consistent with your keys, things like that.”
According to Pro Football Focus, Banks took a step back in his second NFL season, allowing 49 catches for 689 yards and six touchdowns.
It would be a stretch for the Giants not to do an honest self-evaluation this offseason and prioritize adding a No. 1 cornerback to return Banks to the No. 2 role he played for most of his promising rookie season. .
“I really know what that means now,” Banks said. “There were some things I didn’t understand, but I think I know what I have to do and what is expected of me. I want to chase No.1. [receiver]. But I'm not involved with that whole label. I'm cool no matter what I wear. I just want to go out and play and do what I do. ”
Banks was one of the marquee players in a terrible season due to some extended plays against the Cowboys and Eagles, but then the coaching staff publicly questioned his tackling efforts. In many cases, that responsibility — one that many other candidates may share — seemed to weigh heavily on his demeanor.
“Obviously he wants to be a little more productive than he's been in the past,” said defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, who received attention from owner John Mara this week. “Hopefully we can get there and he can continue to progress towards it. But he has the right mindset. It's just a matter of continuing to grow.”
The posters, which give a better look at Banks, are a nod to the general manager, because in Bowen's words, Banks worked hard and “came back and fought” in the last two months after the scrutiny over him peaked. I would have shared Joe Schon's warning. Draft for your needs or plans.
The Giants entered the 2023 draft with a hole at the starting corner opposite Adoree' Jackson, but Banks solidified his profile as an ideal player for then-coordinator Wink Martindale's man-to-man coverage defense. They traded one spot to acquire him after a late first-round run with an equally desirable receiver.
According to PFF, Bowen's plan was the opposite of Martindale's, utilizing zone coverage about two-thirds of the time. Did some underestimate the impact this change would have on Banks before the season?
“That never happened,” Banks said. He is “100 percent” hoping to continue the same plan for a third year. Take that into your off-season training, get to know it, get to know my technique. ”
One coaching point that needs to be developed is making plays on the ball when Banks has his back turned in tight coverage. He finished the season with 12 passes defensed, one forced fumble, and no interceptions.
Defensive backs coach Jermane Henderson said, “When in doubt, find the ball.''
Receivers basically had a habit of picking off catches off the top of Banks' helmet.
“We need to make sure he moves his head well and finds the ball faster,” Bowen said. “You’re running 4.4, 4.3. [second] When you speed down the field, you suddenly have to be able to locate the ball and be confident and comfortable in uncomfortable positions. ”
This is a good start for the Giants to feel more comfortable counting on Banks as a building block.
