The New York Giants shocked the NYG community when they first began splitting starter reps at cornerback between former first-round pick Deonte Banks and 2022 third-rounder Cor’Dale Flott at OTAs, but that trend has actually continued throughout training camp as of July 29.
On Tuesday, it was Banks back at CB2 to start practice, starting across from free agent addition Paulson Adebo. But it had been Flott the day before, on July 28.
“Deonte Banks at CB2 to start the day over Cor’Dale Flott,” Giants Nation Show podcaster Bobby Skinner relayed from training camp. He also noted that it’s now a “3-3” tie in terms of who has started each practice with the first-team defense.
“Feels like the longest [head coach] Brian Daboll went into camp with a 50/50 split,” Skinner added, which highlights the seriousness of this starting competition.
Clearly, the Giants aren’t willing to just hand Banks the job after a rough second-year campaign that included coaches and teammates questioning his effort level. If the former first-round talent wants to start in 2025, he’ll have to earn it.
Deonte Banks Acknowledges That He’s in ‘Battle’ for Starting Job at Giants Training Camp
Banks just so happened to speak with the media on July 29, and he was asked about this sudden competition with Flott (video via New York Post Sports).
“We just compete every day,” Banks said, regarding his approach at camp.
After a follow-up asked if lining up with the second-team defense has felt “different” at all, Banks continued to stick with that line.
“I’m just competing. Whoever out there, I’m just guarding [them] and doing my job,” the cornerback responded.
Eventually, Banks did acknowledge that he’s in a “battle” for his starting role. When asked what he feels he needs to do to win said competition, he replied: “Just be me. Be better.”
Camp Highlights Display the Good & Bad of Banks in Coverage
It was a mixed day for Banks in coverage on July 29, based on different highlights and video clips that were shared by the media and fans.
Empire Sports Media editor Anthony Rivardo shared a clip that was originally posted by the Giants’ social media team on Tuesday, commenting boldly: “If Deonte Banks can turn into a legitimate starter for this defense it will be a top 3 unit in football.”
In it, Banks breaks a pass up at the goal line, punching the ball out of the hands of tight end Greg Dulcich.
However, with the good comes the bad, and Skinner’s Giants Nation Show account shared a different clip from earlier in the practice where Banks once again refuses to turn his head and find the football, getting flagged for a relatively obvious defensive pass interference on a deep shot for undrafted rookie Beaux Collins.
There were no highlights posted of Flott on July 29, good or bad, which isn’t always the worst thing for a cornerback. But the day before, Banks’ competition did get credit for a nice pass breakup against veteran wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey.
Big Blue Banter podcaster Nick Falato shared the video of this play on X.
Neither Banks nor Flott has been ultra-consistent throughout their respective careers, and we’re getting a similar outcome during this training camp battle so far. Presumably, whoever strings together a few positive practices first could win the job.
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