The New York Giants notably returned 10 starters on offense, opting to give the defense a facelift despite having more incumbent talent.
The Giants added two rookie starters to the defensive line, edge rusher Abdul Carter and defensive tackle Darius Alexander. In the secondary, general manager Joe Schoen made splashes early in free agency, signing corner Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland.
Revamping the secondary added ball skills and athleticism to a unit that desperately needed it. Among the four starters New York replaced on its defense was notably not cornerback Deonte Banks, who struggled more than just about anyone else in 2024.
As such, he stands on unsteady ground, and the 2023 first-round pick is one of the Giants with the most to lose at organized team activities (OTAs). Banks was listed as a player to watch by Matt Citak.
“The 2023 first-round pick had his sophomore struggles, but he did register 12 pass breakups, beating his rookie mark of 11 and in one fewer game,” Citak wrote for the team’s website. “With the addition of Adebo, along with the emergence of Dru Phillips in the slot, Banks should have less pressure to match up against the opposing team's No. 1 receiver on a weekly basis, which should help the young corner's development.
“This will be a big year for Banks and his growth, and he has the opportunity to get his third season off on a positive note with a strong performance during OTAs.”
Banks is in a more advantageous spot in 2025 after being the team’s No. 1 corner a season ago. It seemed like week after week, veteran receivers had their way with Banks, particularly in the red zone. With Adebo in the fold, New York won’t have to leave Banks’ unrefined skill set on an island as often.
Still, there is too much on the line for the Giants to hand Banks a job on the perimeter because of his draft capital. If he struggles in OTAs and into training camp, New York must consider whether Cor’Dale Flott or Tre Hawkins III might give them more.
Banks is heading into a pivotal Year 3, but his third offseason may prove to be similarly important.