6 Giants Defenders on Thin Ice After Shane Bowen Hiring

2. Deonte Banks

Deonte Banks probably had the worst 2023 of any Giants defensive starter who is still under contract for 2024.

Banks made some impressive plays against the run, but that's a trait that's a "nice to have" for a corner. Who cares if your corner can play up against the run if they can't cover? Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Banks a brutal 48.6 coverage grade in his rookie season, and he allowed a rough 12.2 yards per reception when thrown at.

Obviously as a first-round pick heading into his second season, "thin ice" for Banks isn't saying that he's staring down the potential of being cut or anything. But like with Thibodeaux, that draft capital is going to be a lot less important to Bowen than it might have been for Martindale, who likely played a role in Banks' selection.

If Banks doesn't make the leap in year two, we can expect Bowen to very quickly start looking for other options at the outside corner spot. Bowen himself will be on thin ice if he doesn't turn this defense around, so he doesn't have too much time to be patient and wait for young players to develop.