Training camp is officially in full swing, and with less than 50 days until the 2025 NFL season kicks off, depth charts are starting to come into focus. Across the league, fans are getting early glimpses of players primed to shine — and the Giants may have a couple of surprises up their sleeve.
Every year, new breakout stars emerge in the NFL. Last season, Chuba Hubbard rushed for nearly 1,200 yards with 12 touchdowns, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in over 1,100 receiving yards. Now, two Giants are drawing major buzz as candidates to break out in what could be a bounce-back year for Big Blue.
CBS Sports’ Zach Pereles releases an annual list of 50 potential breakout players across the league, typically spotlighting one player per team. But when it came to the Giants, he couldn’t narrow it down — highlighting both wide receiver Darius Slayton and cornerback Deonte Banks as primed for big seasons.
Darius Slayton: The Deep Threat About to Take Off
Slayton returns to the Giants after another offseason of trade rumors, but while much of the attention at receiver centers around rookie Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt, Slayton shouldn’t be overlooked. He’s a respected veteran leader and signed a team-friendly three-year, $36 million extension.
One of the NFL’s most consistent deep threats, Slayton’s production has been limited by inconsistent quarterback play. That could change with the arrival of Russell Wilson, one of the best deep-ball throwers in the league. Slayton is eager to work with the Super Bowl-winning QB and could be in line for a career year.
Since entering the NFL in 2019, Slayton is one of just four players to catch 200+ passes while averaging at least 15 yards per catch — a list that includes Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and the recently retired Mike Williams. With a better quarterback under center, he could surpass his previous career-high of eight touchdowns this season.
Deonte Banks: A Bounce-Back Year on Defense
On the defensive side, Deonte Banks is also getting attention. After a rocky start in defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s system, the third-year cornerback is expected to rebound, thanks in part to the offseason additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. Those moves should relieve some of the pressure on Banks as he looks to establish himself as a top corner.
Bowen himself has praised Banks’ growth during OTAs, and the improved pass rush combined with secondary upgrades could help unlock his full potential. As Pereles puts it, Banks’ improvement might be the key to making the Giants’ defense one of the most complete units in the NFL.
Can the Giants Turn Heads in 2025?
The Giants aren’t being widely discussed as NFC East contenders, but if Slayton and Banks live up to the hype, they could help Big Blue exceed expectations. Breakout seasons from both could be the spark the team needs to reassert themselves in the playoff race — and surprise a lot of doubters along the way.
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