Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks, the New York Giants first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, arrived at the team’s headquarters in New Jersey on Friday afternoon.
Banks got a tour of his future digs, met his new teammates and coaches and the Giants’ staff, as well as being introduced to the media.
HE HAS ARRIVED 😄 @IamDeonteBanks_ pic.twitter.com/0PKtzDAthz
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 28, 2023
Banks, who was selected by the Giants with the 24th overall pick on Thursday night in Kansas City, told the media that he goes by the nickname “Tae.”
Deonte Banks has a first-round caliber chain that says “TAE.” Not the biggest talker at the podium, but definitely has the confidence you’d expect from a CB1 pic.twitter.com/EsfbqV4ikc
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) April 28, 2023
The Baltimore native also revealed that his only offer by a Power 5 school was Maryland, a member of the Big Ten, which is quite remarkable for a future NFL first-round pick.
Banks ran the 40-yard dash in a swift 4.32 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine this past winter but he prides himself in his football ability, specifically his physical style of play.
The key for first-round pick Deonte Banks: “My superpower. My physicality.” pic.twitter.com/NlXjzAD7Zz
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 28, 2023
Again, Banks reiterated that the Giants feel like home to him and he has already had welcome messages from quarterback Daniel Jones and fellow defensive backs Adoree’ Jackson and Darnay Holmes since last night.
Banks missed significant time in college with a shoulder injury and has worked vigorously on his body since then to help safeguard himself from such injuries in the future.
He grew up watching the Baltimore Ravens, where Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale ran the defense. His role models are Patrick Peterson, Marshon Lattimore, and Jalen Ramsey. Talk about setting a low bar.
Deonte Banks was asked if there's anything he wants to see or do in New York now that he's here.
"I'm here to play football." #Giants
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) April 28, 2023
Banks seems to be a natural fit with the Giants.
New Giants CB Deonte Banks and his new organization. Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen and John Mara pic.twitter.com/FzKlmKmaY3
— Charlotte Carroll (@charlottecrrll) April 28, 2023
His family accompanied him to today’s event.
Giants first-round pick Deonte Banks with his family. pic.twitter.com/er1cTunHPO
— Bob Brookover (@brookob) April 28, 2023