Damon Bankston was just waived by the New York Giants on Saturday, and if you’ve been following the Green Bay Packers, that news should set off some serious alarms. This isn’t the first time they’ve shown interest in the guy, making this a classic second shot at a player they clearly liked before.
The Packers’ Not-So-Secret Weapon: Pre-Draft Visitors
This isn’t some random coincidence. Since 2022, Green Bay has totally shifted its pre-draft visitor strategy. They used to just focus on undrafted free agents, but now it’s a mix of actual draft picks and free agent prospects. And get this: they’ve signed, traded for, drafted, or claimed on waivers a whopping 36 players who were pre-draft visitors! It’s their thing. If a guy visits before the draft and then becomes available later, especially for the first time since draft weekend, the Packers usually go after him. Think about it, Darian Kinnard, John FitzPatrick, Josh Whyle, they all found their way to Green Bay after not being originally picked by the team. Bankston fits that mold perfectly. He took a pre-draft visit with the Packers this spring, but then signed with the Giants for $115,000 guaranteed. That’s way more than Green Bay spent on their own undrafted running back, Jaden Nixon, who only got $15,000 guaranteed. Now, the playing field is leveled.
Don’t Sleep on Bankston’s Sleeper Potential
So, who is Damon Bankston, really? He’s coming out of New Mexico as an interesting sleeper prospect from the class of 2026. Yeah, his volume numbers might not jump off the page, but the guy was seriously efficient. In his one year of FBS football with the 9-4 Lobos, he put up 635 rushing yards at a strong 5.6 yards per carry, plus five touchdowns on the ground. But here’s the kicker: he caught 31 balls for 397 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 12.8 yards per reception. That’s huge for a running back! He even led the Lobos in yards from scrimmage. Before New Mexico, he was an All-Conference player and team captain at Weber State, an FCS program, and he also showed off his versatility as a returner in college. At 5’10” and 196 pounds, he’s not the biggest back, but his 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed tells you everything you need to know about his explosiveness. Remember that kickoff return for a touchdown in the Rate Bowl? That’s the kind of game-breaking ability we’re talking about.
A Perfect Fit for the Green Bay Offense?
Now, let’s talk about where he fits in Green Bay. If the preseason film is any indication, and I’m still trying to decide how much stock to put in it, the Packers’ offense in 2026 is going to look a lot like the early Matt LaFleur years. We’re talking more outside zone runs and bootlegs off that action. To run those plays effectively, you need some “home run hitters” in the backfield. Think Aaron Jones when LaFleur first got that offense humming. Bankston, with his speed and knack for making plays in space, could be exactly what they’re looking for. His ability to hit the edge and turn nothing into something, along with his receiving skills, makes him an intriguing option for that kind of scheme.
It’s not every day you get a second shot at a guy you’ve scouted and clearly liked. With Bankston back on the market, the Packers have a golden opportunity to add a high-upside, versatile back to their roster. If they snatch him up, Bankston could be a crucial piece in shaping their running back room for a demanding 2026 season. Get ready, Green Bay, this could be a fun one to watch unfold!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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