New York Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown (pictured) addressed the media ahead of the preseason finale on August 19, and he had a strong message for former first-round cornerback Deonte Banks.
According to The Athletic’s Dan Duggan, Brown gave an “interesting answer” in “response to a question about Deonte Banks.” Duggan noted that Brown “mentioned Daboll has ‘heightened the accountability measures’ for the DB room” before sharing the following quote from the Giants front office executive.
After a follow-up question on what he meant by Daboll heightening the accountability measures, Brown explained: “You have to practice the way you play. It doesn’t matter where you were drafted. The best production is going to lead who plays, and [Daboll] has been very clear about that, and we wholeheartedly support that. Yes, we put investment in the guys, but the best players are going to play, and it’s not just going to be a gameday thing. It’s how you prepare. It’s how you practice.”
Brown did also add that he is “excited for” Banks, who has “met the challenge” so far.
The Giants already put Banks on notice this spring and summer behind closed doors, rotating starting reps between him and former third-round pick Cor’Dale Flott. Now, speaking for the front office, Brown just backed that coaching decision publicly.
Deonte Banks Could Still Line Up as Giants’ Week 1 Starter at Cornerback
GettyNew York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks appears to be on thin ice in 2025.
Despite Brown’s bold and honest statement on Banks, that doesn’t mean the recent first-rounder will be on the bench come Week 1.
It seemed like Banks had the slightest of edges in the CB2 battle versus Flott at training camp before the latter suffered an injury. This setback gave Banks the clear advantage for a time.
Having said that, Flott suited up for the second Giants preseason outing against the New York Jets, and he put together one of his better performances, according to Pro Football Focus.
Appearing on 18 defensive snaps, Flott did not allow a catch. He also earned a pass breakup on his lone target, allowing a low passer rating of 39.6 in coverage.
Banks did not play during preseason Week 2, but he held up solidly during the opener, allowing 1 reception (3 targets) for 12 yards and a passer rating against of 46.5 over 20 defensive snaps. Banks’ major blemish facing the Buffalo Bills was a missed tackle, which is an area of his game that the Giants want cleaned up in 2025.
Based on Brown’s comments, it appears this training camp battle could carry into the summer finale against the New England Patriots.
Giants Assistant GM Brandon Brown Does Not Go Rogue at Press Conferences
Brown made several notable remarks at Tuesday’s press conference. Afterward, on the morning of August 20, NorthJersey.com beat reporter Art Stapleton pointed out that Brown doesn’t typically go “rogue” at the podium.
Meaning, his words should be taken seriously.
Daboll is one of the most tight-lipped coaches in the NFL, but general manager Joe Schoen and Brown have often given a more telling assessment when they speak.
In the case of Banks, one thing is very obvious: the scholarship is over, and his first-round status means about as much as a losing scratch-off ticket at this stage of his career. Banks may begin the year as the starter when all is said and done, but he’ll also be on a very short leash at the first sign of trouble.
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