The New York Giants' unofficial depth chart for Week 1 has placed cornerback Deonte Banks in a starting role, ahead of Paulson Adebo, who carries a significant salary cap hit. While unofficial depth charts are not definitive, their release indicates coaching approval.
Banks, once a highly regarded rookie whose career faced challenges with healthy scratches and effort concerns in recent seasons, has earned a starting spot. He is listed ahead of Adebo, signed to a three-year, $54 million contract in March 2025 with the expectation of being a difference-maker. Adebo reportedly did not meet expectations last season and appeared a step slow during training camp.
Sources suggest Banks' resurgence is due to a fresh start and a more favorable player-scheme fit. Head coach John Harbaugh has not officially announced the starting cornerback duo opposite Greg Newsome, leaving open the possibility of a rotation between Banks and Adebo, similar to how Banks and Cor’Dale Flott were used to start the previous season.
Harbaugh stated that not naming starters prevents opponents from knowing the team's defensive strategy, indicating flexibility in how the cornerback positions will be managed. The team also listed Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris, and Devin Singletary as co-No. 2 running backs behind Cam Skattebo, suggesting a precedent for shared starting roles.
In other depth chart news, Malik Nabers and Darnell Mooney are listed as starting wide receivers following the release of Darius Slayton. They are positioned ahead of second-teamers Malachi Fields and Odell Beckham Jr. Jevon Holland is designated as the punt returner, with Braxton Berrios on the practice squad.