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New York Giants 2023 first rounder Deonte Banks was thrown right into a starting role in year one — and the rookie cornerback has held up pretty well most weeks.
Week 7 was a particularly big performance for Banks, however. Not only did the Giants win behind a strong defensive effort (seven points allowed), but the youngster also registered his first interception of his NFL career.
On the day, Pro Football Focus credited Banks with five “defensive stops” — tackles that constitute a “failure” for the offense — and a 53.6 passer rating when targeted. He collected seven total tackles during the outing.
This mini breakout led to some national attention as ESPN NYG beat reporter Jordan Raanan spotlighted Banks as Big Blue’s “young riser” during ESPN NFL Nation’s Week 8 power rankings.
“The No. 24 overall pick has lived up to the hype so far,” Raanan voiced for his explanation. “He has allowed only 50% of the passes with him as the nearest defender to be completed, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Banks has allowed just a 67.8 passer rating against and has shown good ball skills (five passes defended and an interception).”
“This has come with being, at times, the Giants’ No. 1 cornerback,” the beat reporter clarified, adding: “The future looks bright for the rookie.”
Giants CB Deonte Banks Nominated for NFL Rookie of the Week
The NFL appears to agree that Banks was impressive versus the Washington Commanders, nominating him for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week.
His competition for the Week 7 award will be:
- Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent.
- Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
- Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
- Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.
- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Banks was the only defensive prospect nominated this week, so at the very least, one could argue he’s earned the unofficial defensive rookie of the week honors.
Make sure to get out there and vote Giants fans!
Young Giants Secondary Can Come Together Around Deonte Banks
Outside of Adoree’ Jackson — a high-priced veteran who could be traded or walk in 2024 free agency — the Giants defense is very young on the back end.
Banks is a big part of that, but he’s not alone.
Tre Hawkins III has been the third CB behind Jackson and Banks in 2023 in terms of snaps. He’s a rookie sixth rounder who just turned 23. Behind him are former draft picks Cor’Dale Flott and Darnay Holmes, as well as ex-Buffalo Bills UDFA Nick McCloud.
Holmes and McCloud are the oldest of the three at 25.
Also in the mix are 25-year-old cornerback Aaron Robinson (PUP) and 24-year-old rookie DB Kaleb Hayes — who have yet to take the field in 2023.
The safety crew has their future ahead of them too, with Xavier McKinney (24) and Jason Pinnock (24) starting and Dane Belton (22) as the key backup.
McKinney will be an interesting name to watch as the Giants attempt to build around players like Banks and Hawkins. The 2020 second-round selection has been talked about as a potential trade candidate this season — being that he’s on the final year of his rookie contract.
Of course, the G-Men could also extend McKinney long-term. It’s important to note that current general manager Joe Schoen did not draft the former Alabama safety.
On the year, Holmes actually has the top coverage grade (74.6) in limited action according to PFF, although McKinney is not far behind him at 68.6. Banks’ current coverage grade is a 53.3 as a rookie, but a couple of lousy marks have really tanked his score.
The “young riser” will have to work on his consistency moving forward.
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