There were high expectations when the New Orleans Saints drafted Kelvin Banks Jr., and he's lived up to those expectations from Day 1. He has received praise from former Saints offensive tackle, Terron Armstead. Banks carried his strong preseason momentum into the regular season. In his matchup vs Josh Sweat, he did a solid job of keeping him away from the quarterback.
Banks kept a clean sheet, giving up zero sacks, hits, and penalties. He finished his rookie debut against the Arizona Cardinals with an above average PFF grade of 69.1. Josh Sweat has proven himself to be a consistently dependable pass rusher, but the degree of difficulty skyrockets in week 2. He will have to go head to head with Nick Bosa for many snaps.
The Saints week 2 showdown at home vs the 49ers will highlight a fantastic matchup in the trenches between a first round rookie offensive tackle and an all pro edge rusher, who will be looking to give him a warm welcome to the NFL.
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been battle tested, but Nick Bosa is completely different challenge
There's an argument to be made that Banks is the most important player on the Saints this week. San Francisco is heavily hampered offensively due to injuries, so the defense will be vital for their success. Bosa has the ability to to take over and wreck a game. Pressures can turn into errant throws or even strip sacks that give the 49er offense a short field. Whoever has Bosa in front of them is one of, if not, the most important players on that snap.
Young offensive tackles often get baited into making mistakes against elite pass rushers, who thrive on exposing inexperienced rookies. Bosa is coming off a disruptive opening week outing, where he recorded 3 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. He is looking forward to carrying that momentum against the Saints young offensive tackles.
Bosa has been one of the premier pass rushers since entering the league in 2019. His elite physical traits and relentless motor have consistently allowed him to overwhelm offensive tackles. He’s a 5 time Pro Bowler, and a former Defensive Player of the Year, recording 63.5 sacks in 81 career games.
Banks was tested throughout his time at the University of Texas. Facing elite competition is nothing new to him, as he battled against former first round picks Will Anderson Jr. and Will McDonald. While those were impressive matchups, the professional level provides a different level of strength and competition.
Bosa poses an even greater challenge, and Banks will need to bring his A game to prevent him from wrecking the game. This matchup will be an early test, giving the Saints a glimpse of how promising their first round pick really is.