Brian Daboll on Deonte Banks' bench transfer: I just thought we needed a little more

Cornerback Deonte Banks' failure to tackle Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in Week 7 led to speculation that the Giants might bench him, but he was on the field for it Monday night's game against the Steelers.

However, Banks was on the bench before the night was over. Banks was pulled in favor of Greg Stroman in the second quarter after a drive in which he gave up completions and was then stymied by Steelers running back Najee Harris while trying to make a tackle.

“I thought it was necessary, especially during this series a little moresaid head coach Brian Daboll in his postgame press conference. “Had a talk with him and left with the other guys.”

Banks was a first-round pick in 2023, so benching him in favor of a raise to the practice squad is not a decision made lightly. Daboll said he believes Banks will “bounce back” and indicated he will start again next week.

“I'm not going to make any statements at the moment, but yes, I would say so,” Daboll said.

The current Giants regime has used first-round picks over the past three years on Banks, edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, tackle Evan Neal and wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers has played well, but Neal has been on the bench all season and Thibodeaux is on injured reserve. Therefore, it's not hard to attribute the team's 2-6 record in part to the lack of return from premium picks.