It\u2019s not a bad thing for the Giants to have an extra-motivated Banks given that his tackling effort has noticeably lacked that at times during his career. Head coach John Harbaugh \u2014 who considers effort non-negotiable \u2014 and defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson promised him a \u201cclean slate.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n But Banks, 25, is going to have to work his way up the depth chart after beginning his first three seasons in a prominent role. The Giants are paying big money to Paulson Adebo<\/a> to man one cornerback spot and have free-agent addition Greg Newsome II<\/a> and rookie second-round draft pick Colton Hood competing with Banks on the other side, with Dru Phillips<\/a> and Ar\u2019Darius Washington in the slot.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n \u201cTae hasn\u2019t played that great. He\u2019ll tell you that,\u201d Harbaugh said after drafting Hood last week. \u201cBut is he capable of playing a lot better? I think he is. That\u2019s on us and on him to get him to play better. So, imagine if he takes this step and what does that do for the room?<\/p>\n Cornerback Deonte Banks #2 of the New York Giants runs the ball as linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Minnesota Vikings tackles. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST<\/p>\n \u201cIs Paulson capable of playing better than he did last year? I would say so. Let\u2019s go play at a level we\u2019re capable of. You have Paulson Adebo \u2014 a highly decorated vet in this league \u2014 and after what I saw (in three-day minicamp) I thought he looked good. I thought Tae looked really good.\u201d<\/p>\n The Harbaugh-Wilson Ravens were connected to Banks during the lead-up to the 2023 draft but ultimately picked receiver Zay Flowers<\/a> at No. 22. Two picks later, the Giants selected Banks after a slight trade up<\/a>.<\/p>\n Banks had a promising rookie season under then-coordinator Wink Martindale but was ill-fitted for the complex zone scheme run by Shane Bowen over the last two seasons. He allowed 71 catches (nine for touchdowns) on 103 targets during that span.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n The Giants turned Banks into a kick returner<\/a> (32.7-yard average with a touchdown) last season just to squeeze something out of his athleticism while Cor\u2019Dale Flott\u2019s ascension to full-timer left Banks buried on the bench. Flott, however, signed with the Titans in the offseason.<\/p>\n Three of the Giants\u2019 last four first-round picks to become eligible for a fifth-year option had it declined: receiver Kadarius Toney<\/a> (after he was traded to the Chiefs), offensive lineman Evan Neal<\/a> and Banks.<\/p>\n![\"Cornerback](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/55149a7e8788b6620a322d0f704663de.jpeg\"\/)
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