Joe Schoen began rattling off the names of his draft picks or big-money investments.
Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and at the very least 4 rookies — Malik Nabers, Tyler Nubin, Theo Johnson and Tyrone Tracy Jr. — all are foundational items for the Giants in Schoen’s eyes. Wan’Dale Robinson and Cor’Dale Flott have carved out vital roles, he mentioned.
However what about Deonte Banks?
Was it a easy oversight by the overall supervisor to not title the 2023 first-round draft decide?
In spite of everything, Andrew Thomas and Dru Phillips weren’t listed both.
Or has Banks’ discouraging second season — marred by two performs on which his effort was questioned by coaches, a 3rd occasion when his efficiency warranted an in-game benching, and an NFL-high six touchdowns allowed in protection — modified how the Giants view him?
“We’re not going to give up on Tae,” Schoen mentioned Tuesday in his annual bye-week state of the group tackle. “He works hard. He wants it. And I still believe he has a bright future.”
Schoen sounded keen to excuse Banks, 23, for slowing up about 20 yards from the top zone towards Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb in Week 4 as a result of it was a “hard play” — despite the fact that defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson and Banks himself admitted that he may’ve accomplished extra to get a sort out.
The extra egregious error was avoiding scrambling Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts on the sideline in Week 7.
“It’s not just Tae that would like to have some plays back. There are other people as well,” Schoen mentioned. “But we’re not giving up on Tae. He’s got the physical traits. He’s shown the ability to match the top receivers on other teams. And corner is a tough position to play. There are balls that are going to be caught on you. And he’s been in really good position on some of them.”
Sure, the truth is, one among Banks’ points has been ball recognition as throws match into tight home windows towards him. Quarterbacks have a 139.7 passer ranking on 50 occasions focusing on the Maryland product.
The Giants (2-8) have the very best odds (17.3 p.c likelihood) of touchdown the No. 1 decide within the NFL Draft, based on ESPN’s Soccer Energy Index. The best-ranked gamers on many draft analysts’ boards are Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Colorado two-way cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter, whereas Notre Dame cornerback Benjamin Morrison was close to the highest earlier than an harm.
Schoen, who expressed confidence about his job safety, may prioritize drafting a quarterback.
However, if the Giants win sufficient down the stretch to slip down the order and others among the many 11 present two- and three-win groups within the NFL take the highest quarterbacks, one other first-round cornerback would possibly permit Banks to fall into the No. 2 cornerback position the place he confirmed promise as a rookie.
“Played well a year ago [but we] changed the scheme,” Schoen mentioned. “We’re the youngest defense in the league.”
One in all Schoen’s often-cited major drafting ideas shouldn’t be choosing to suit a selected scheme due to potential teaching modifications, so it’s regarding that Banks hasn’t performed as properly beneath coordinator Shane Bowen as he did in press man-to-man protection beneath Wink Martindale.
The Commanders have already got cooled on cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who was drafted eight spots greater than Banks. The Steelers have their very own points with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. — who was drafted six spots after Banks — being too handsy for the officers’ liking.
“Nobody’s going to be harder on [evaluating] the decision-making process or on me than me,” Schoen mentioned. “And that’s what keeps you up at night … but you can’t put it back. These decisions aren’t quick fixes, and they can be impactful either way. So, again, a lot of confidence in my staff and our process and where we’re heading.”
Schoen’s dedication to Banks is notable as a result of he has proven a willingness to signal over a possible draft bust.
The Giants relegated 2022 first-round decide Evan Neal (No. 7 general as in comparison with Banks at No. 24 in 2023) to the bench for the primary 9 video games when he was coming off of two poor seasons and a foot harm that lingered into coaching camp. Jermaine Eluemunor was allowed to win the right-tackle job earlier than Neal received his likelihood after Thomas’ harm.
“A premium pick like that,” Schoen mentioned, “you always want to bat 1.000.”
