😱 The Giants Are Hiding Two Secret Weapons—And No One Saw It Coming

🗽 Giants Might Be Hiding Two Breakout Beasts — And Nope, They’re Not Who You Think

We’re less than 50 days away from the 2025 NFL season (yes, it’s that close), and training camp is finally buzzing. While most fans are watching the obvious stars, there are two Giants quietly heating up and ready to blow up this season — and no, they’re not the names you’ve been tweeting about.

Every year, CBS Sports’ Zach Pereles drops a list of 50 players who are primed to break out. Most teams get one name. But the Giants? They got two. Enter: wide receiver Darius Slayton and cornerback Deonte Banks.

Let’s break it down.

💥 Darius Slayton — Still That Dude

Slayton’s been through it lately — trade rumors, people sleeping on him, and the Giants offense sputtering under Daniel Jones. But now he’s back, locked in with a fresh 3-year, $36M deal (super team-friendly too), and he’s got Russell Wilson throwing him the ball. Yeah, that Russell Wilson. Mr. Deep Ball.

In case you forgot, Slayton has quietly been one of the NFL’s most dangerous deep threats. Since 2019, he’s one of only four guys with 200+ catches at 15+ yards a pop. The other three? Just Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and (recently retired) Mike Williams. That’s elite company.

With Wilson under center and defenses focused on guys like Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, Slayton could sneak in and have a monster season. Don’t be shocked if he breaks his personal best of 8 touchdowns in a year.

🛡️ Deonte Banks — Bounce-Back Loading…

Now let’s talk defense. Third-year CB Deonte Banks had a rough 2024 in Shane Bowen’s new scheme, but things are lining up for a comeback.

New teammates Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland have arrived, giving Banks a lot more breathing room. And according to insiders — including Bowen himself — Banks has been looking sharp during OTAs.

Zach Pereles put it best: “The Giants already have a scary pass rush, but Banks leveling up might be the glue that brings the whole thing together.”

If he takes that next step, we’re talking about a potential top-10 defense in the NFL. For real.

🧨 The Bottom Line

Right now, no one’s talking about the Giants as NFC East contenders. But if Slayton and Banks pop off like they’re expected to, this team could flip the script fast.

So while everyone’s watching the flashy rookies and bold predictions, keep an eye on the quiet storms in East Rutherford. Big Blue might be ready to surprise us all.