A pair of underwhelming Giants draft picks are headed for two very different fates
They are their own and, as such, there is sentiment in the building to see them do well. This is the way it is throughout the NFL.Draft picks, especially those taken in the high rounds, get special attention.
Not special treatment — that would be unfair — but often, special considerations.They get the benefit of the doubt early in their careers because it makes everyone look bad when a player taken in the first or second round cannot cut it. Get texts from Paul Schwartz with all the latest Giants news and insights, exclusive to Sports+ subscribers.
This does not mean anyone is provided a free ride or a high pick is grandfathered into any job.It does mean they usually get more chances than a sixth- or seventh-round pick and certainly more leeway than an undrafted free agent. This dynamic played out in real time this spring and summer with the Giants, as they brought back two former first-round picks for what could be characterized as a possible last spin around the block.
Cornerback Deonte Banks, the 2023 first-round pick (24th overall), was entering the final year of his original rookie contract.Offensive lineman Evan Neal, one of two 2022 first-round picks for the Giants (he went No.
7 overall), played out his rookie deal and was re-signed to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal for $1.2 million. These two players, once considered top prospects, were hanging on for their professional lives with the team that not long ago thought so highly of them.Both were considered failed draft picks of general manager Joe Schoen.
It would not have come as much of a surprise if both of them were jettisoned and trying to figure things out in camps with different teams.Both were given an opportunity, with no assurances, by the new head coach, John Harbaugh, based on talent evaluations Harbaugh was privy to with the Ravens. These were low-risk door openings.
Come in, prove you are a better player than what you have shown the past few years and perhaps you get to stick...