{"id":668810,"date":"2026-01-11T12:57:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:57:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/668810\/"},"modified":"2026-01-11T12:57:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T12:57:11","slug":"new-york-giants-deonte-banks-received-two-all-pro-votes-as-returner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/668810\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Giants’ Deonte Banks received two All-Pro votes as returner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jan. 11, 2026, 7:02 a.m. ET<\/p>\n

New York Giants<\/a> cornerback Deonte Banks earned two votes<\/a> for kick returner in the Associated Press 2025 NFL All-Pro balloting, a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season.<\/p>\n

While edge rusher Brian Burns was the only Giant selected<\/a> to the Second Team with 57 votes (10 first-place votes), Banks’ recognition highlights his explosive impact on special teams.<\/p>\n

Banks, who hadn’t consistently returned kicks since high school (just once in college), finished with 19 returns for 622 yards, averaging a league-second 32.7 yards per return behind Kene Nwangwu. He capped the year with a 95-yard touchdown in Week 17, showcasing game-changing speed and vision.<\/p>\n

Pro Football Focus graded him 86.3 as a return specialist — falling in the “good\/high quality” range, just shy of “elite.”<\/p>\n

The votes stand in stark contrast to Banks’ defensive struggles, where he posted the Giants’ lowest overall PFF grade<\/a> of 42.4 at cornerback.<\/p>\n

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n

Special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial praised Banks’ dedication to ball security and block setup, helping transform him into a dynamic weapon. Though no official All-Pro nod, the votes underscore his emerging potential as a return threat.<\/p>\n

Left tackle Andrew Thomas also received a single All-Pro vote.<\/p>\n

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