Deonte Banks enters 2026 at a crossroads. The New York Giants’ 2023 first-round pick has shown fleeting flashes of dominance but endured an up-and-down career marked by inconsistency in coverage and, at times, a lacking effort.
With the fifth-year option declined, Banks is in the final year of his rookie deal and must prove his worth in a crowded, revamped secondary featuring Greg Newsome II and rookie Colton Hood.
New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, a fellow Maryland Terrapin, has emphasized a clean slate for everyone.
"He's a talented player. He's big. He can run. He brings an element of physicality, but he's had an up-and-down career thus far," Wilson told reporters in April. "For us, it's coming in with a clean slate... We're trying to evaluate the players, see what they do well, and we're trying to teach them our way of football."
Wilson highlighted strong DB coaches who will focus on technique, footwork, and simplicity to unlock Banks' potential.
With the fifth-year option declined, Banks is in the final year of his rookie deal and must prove his worth in a crowded, revamped secondary featuring Greg Newsome II and rookie Colton Hood.
New defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, a fellow Maryland Terrapin, has emphasized a clean slate for everyone.
"He's a talented player. He's big. He can run. He brings an element of physicality, but he's had an up-and-down career thus far," Wilson told reporters in April. "For us, it's coming in with a clean slate... We're trying to evaluate the players, see what they do well, and we're trying to teach them our way of football."
Wilson highlighted strong DB coaches who will focus on technique, footwork, and simplicity to unlock Banks' potential.
29 days ago
