When the Giants selected Deonte Banks in the first round of last year’s draft, many expected him to immediately play as their top cornerback option. And that’s exactly what he did after shining throughout training camp and preseason action.
Banks went through his fair share of ups and downs, as any young player does during their first year in the league, but he certainly impressed when he was at his best.
The 22-year-old went into each contest with the daunting task of covering the opponent's top receiver and he more than held his own against the likes of A.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs, Terry McLaurin, and D.K. Metcalf among others.
Banks appeared in all but two games and he became the first Giants rookie defensive back since 1999 to record 60+ tackles (64), 11+ pass breakups (11), and two interceptions in a season.
His 11 passes defended was also the second-most by a rookie in franchise history.
Banks showed tremendous growth from the first game to the last, as he allowed no more than 40 yards in each of the final five games of the season, and solidified himself as one of the top young talents on this Giants defense.
Now that he’s shown he belongs in this league, not that he ever doubted it, Banks told Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com that he has his sights set on bigger goals during his sophomore season.
“I want to win, that’s the most important thing, but I also want to show that I can be a great player,” Banks said. “I always knew I belonged in the league and I think I showed that. Now it’s time to prove that I can be great. I’m going for All-Pro. I ain’t missing another Pro Bowl list. Next year, my name is going to be on it.”
Banks is setting the bar very high heading into next year, but if his rookie campaign showed you anything, you know he’ll be up for the task.