As the 2024 NFL Draft week unfolds, the New York Giants’ fans are buzzing with anticipation. With multiple top-70 picks, including the 6th overall selection, the team’s supporters are optimistic about the bright future ahead.
While it’s exciting to think about what lies ahead, it’s also intriguing to examine the Giants’ draft history. Empire Writes Back has been delving into this, from evaluating the last ten first-round picks of the Giants to highlighting the less favorable selections of the past decade.
With this in mind, it’s time to reassess the Giants’ five most recent first-round picks. While some players have met their Day 1 potential, others have fallen short of expectations.
Deonte Banks, in just his first year with the Giants, has already established himself as their top cornerback moving forward.
The former Maryland Terrapin seamlessly transitioned into a key role as a rookie, starting in all 15 games he appeared in. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks faced 92 targets over 844 defensive snaps, allowing only 53 completions (55.2%) for 644 receiving yards, four touchdowns, and an opposing passer rating of 84.7.
Moreover, the 23-year-old defender recorded 56 total tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions.
Deonte Banks notches his first interception in the NFL!
📺: @NFLonCBS & @paramountplus pic.com/ZthiHey75W
— New York Giants (@Giants) Oct 22, 2023
Admittedly, Banks’ performance in 2023 wasn’t flawless. He missed 12.3% of his tackle attempts and accrued eight penalties, indicating room for improvement in his discipline.
Nonetheless, these areas are correctable and pale in comparison to Banks’ overall positives. If new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen can capitalize on Banks’ impressive rookie season, it won’t be long before he garners Pro Bowl invitations and frustrates the league’s elite wide receivers even further.
