The New York Giants are in Year 2 of the Joe Schoen-Brian Daboll regime and their second draft class looks as if it could hit the field running this year.
That all begins with their first three picks — cornerback Deonte Banks, center John Michael Schmitz and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
Banks is actually planning on walking right out onto the playing field and making a difference from the start as he is tailor-made for coordinator Wink Martindale’s defense.
The 6-foot-1, 197-pound Banks always felt he would be an NFL player and said he actually knew the Giants were going to draft him.
“I always thought this was possible,” Banks said at the Giants’ rookie minicamp earlier this month. “Actually, if I didn’t get injured, I would have entered [the 2022 draft]. But everything worked out in my favor, I feel like. I graduated, too.”
Banks, the 24th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft out of Maryland, is an aggressive player who confronts wide receivers and wins the physical battles, just what the Giants need in their secondary.
“They play a lot of man, so if you know me, you know how I play man,” the physical Banks said. “It’s just a mentality thing. I just love doing it.”
Banks is known for his trash-talking as well but toned things down in his first workouts with the team.
“I’ve got to get in there first,” he said. “I’ve got to make my mark first… I feel like there’s no pressure on me. I’m just ready to work.”
Banks should have a fairly clear path to a starting role at cornerback across from Adoree’ Jackson this year. He is ready for the challenge.
“Never”, Banks said when asked if he ever backs down from a challenge. “That’s just me. That’s who I am.”
After surviving with a patchwork cornerback unit a season ago, Banks, even as a rookie, should provide some stability outside. And given his style of play, it’s nearly certain he will make a Day 1 impact for the Giants and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.
