New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks has earned a roster spot and is competing for a starting position, while offensive lineman Evan Neal, also a former first-round pick, is expected to be cut. This divergence highlights the team's evaluation of its high-profile draft selections.
Banks, the 24th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, entered the final year of his rookie contract. His performance in training camp and the preseason, particularly within the Giants' new aggressive defensive scheme, has solidified his place on the team. "So, when we really get to training camp, and obviously Harbs has preached meritocracy, right?" said assistant general manager Brandon Brown. "What has got you here is not necessarily going to keep you here, and you’ve got to have daily deposits."
Neal, selected seventh overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, had his rookie contract expire and was re-signed to a one-year veteran-minimum deal. Despite a position change from right tackle to right guard and showing some progress, the team's depth at offensive line means he is unlikely to make the final 53-player roster. Veteran Aaron Stinnie is expected to claim a backup guard spot over Neal.
Draft picks, especially those selected early, often receive extra attention and a longer leash from NFL teams. This dynamic played out with both Banks and Neal, as the Giants invested significant draft capital in them. However, as Brown noted, performance on the field is paramount. "And just being objective, which guys are going to have the best opportunity to make an impact for us on game day, whether it’s active, whether it’s being on practice squad, and knowing that this is going to be the guy that we’re going to go to battle with at the start of the season."
Banks' past issues with focus and effort have been overcome this preseason, with his physical talents now translating effectively. Neal, who started 13 games at right tackle as a rookie but struggled with injuries and inconsistency over the past two seasons, did not play a snap in 2025 and spent time as a healthy scratch. Although Neal has stayed healthy this summer, he primarily worked with the third-team offensive line.