With the ninth-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Kelvin Banks Jr., the offensive tackle out of Texas. This pick isn’t flashy, especially with the rumors surrounding selecting a quarterback at that pick. However, Banks will bolster a previously weak offensive line. The Saints future quarterback will need time to operate, and Banks will help supply that.
Banks is a three year starter at left tackle for the Longhorns. He doesn’t have experience playing guard but should be able to seamlessly make the transition if the Saints want him to. It doesn’t matter where the Saints put Banks, getting him on the field anywhere improves their line. This pick also creates depth for the Saints at a needed position. They brought in Dillon Radunz this offseason but if he doesn’t need to start he can provide valuable depth at a variety of positions.
Kellen Moore loves the run game, this was evident in the Eagles’ super bowl run last season. Philadelphia also had one of the top offensive lines in the league in 2024. For his rushing attack to be successful in New Orleans they need to have a strong offensive line who can pave the way for Alvin Kamara.
Banks brings elite athleticism to the Saints. His movement skills are impressive and his technique is excellent which allows him to smoothly stay with the defender. In addition, he contains the needed power to anchor down if an edge rusher tries to bull-rush him. He’s got a ton of experience with 2,778 career snaps. He’s faced challenging competition in both the Big 12 and the SEC and has thrived only allowing four career sacks.
Another key trait about Banks is his reliability. He has played over 850 snaps in each of his three collegiate seasons. The Saints have been destroyed by injuries in recent years, so having someone who has proved the ability to stay healthy is a major positive for the Saints.
The one question surrounding Banks is his size. It’s not bad by any means but it’s below average for a tackle standing at 6”4’, 320 Lbs. His arm length reached the desired threshold at 33.5 inches. This shouldn’t be too much of an issue as it hasn’t slowed him down before.
Overall, Banks may not be the flashiest selection for the Saints but he is an excellent player who should impact the Saints offensive line the moment he arrives in New Orleans. The Saints still have six rounds to address other positions so selecting Banks here is a smart move that will improve the team. As the old adage goes, Rome wasn’t built on one pick.