The New York Giants set their sights on improving their secondary and took a significant step towards achieving that goal in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. With the 24th overall pick, the Giants selected Deonte Banks, a standout cornerback from the University of Maryland.
Emphasizing Defensive Backs
After success with their secondary in the previous season, the Giants strongly emphasized defensive backs in the draft. They moved as soon as they saw the opportunity to select Banks, who they highly opposed, without wasting any time.
Banks’ Versatility and Strength
As a cornerback, Banks is versatile enough to play on either the field or boundary side of the defense. In 2023, his strength and stature will be ideal for his position. His outstanding speed and quickness make him a valuable asset for the Giants.
Active Hands and Feet
Banks’ active hands and feet allow him to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. His agility and foot movement allows him to enter quickly and exit breaks, which he uses when covering double movements or option routes. However, he needs to improve his ability to read receivers when he cannot locate the ball.
Impressive Combine Performance
Banks’ impressive performance at the combine turned the heads of general managers, coaches, and draft evaluators. He completed the forty-yard dash in 4.35 seconds and had a vertical leap of 42 inches and a broad jump of 11 feet, 4 inches. Banks possesses the physical attributes necessary to play the position of No. 1 cornerback.
Fit for the Giants’ Defense
The Giants had their pick of practically every cornerback in the draft but went with Banks, even though the draft was packed with elite-level cornerbacks. He is an excellent fit for the Giants’ Martindale defense, emphasizing blitzing and providing solid help in the secondary.
Up Close and Personal
Banks is at his best when he is up close and personal with a receiver, playing press coverage. He also knows how to play off coverage and break hard on the pass. His high number of pass breakups (PBUs) is similar to that of experienced Giants cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who will likely start opposite of him.
Looking Ahead
Banks’ self-assurance suggests that he will adjust well to the pass-happy nature of the NFL. The Giants will quickly determine whether he can thrive in the high-pressure environment of man-to-man defense played in the NFL. It will be exciting to see how Martindale and his team use this weapon in their arsenal.
