Kelvin Banks Jr. was a career left tackle at Texas, but will that be where he plays with the New Orleans Saints?
It's a question that has been asked since New Orleans picked Banks in the top-10. The draft value suggests they see Banks as an offensive tackle long term, but there's a thought you could start Banks at guard under the premise of getting your best five linemen on the field.
We've discussed why this is not the route to go, but if the Saints chose this path, Taliese Fuaga, Banks, Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and Trevor Penning would make up the starting lineup. Newly-acquired offensive guard, Dillon Radunz, would be on the bench.
Speculation around Kelvin Banks, Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning ends at rookie minicamp
Taliese Fuaga is the Saints' only certified starting offensive tackle. It's just a matter of which side he's playing on.
Until a plan becomes clear, Banks, Fuaga and Penning should all be viewed as offensive tackle and potential starters. Though Banks will be the only player of the trio at rookie minicamp, the plan for at least Fuaga and Banks will be revealed when the rookie attends rookie minicamp.
We won’t see full on 11-on-11 team drills during rookie minicamp, but you’ll see players in formation. This is where the speculation ends. The position Banks lines up at for rookie minicamp is where he’ll align when veterans arrive.
If Banks is at left tackle, Fuaga is moving over to right tackle, and both players will move forward at their natural positions. If Banks is at right tackle, it’s a sign the Saints plan on asking him to flip sides like Fuaga did a year ago.
In these hypotheticals, Penning’s best hope to start is a move to guard. If Banks comes in as a guard, the plan is to have Banks, Fuaga and Penning on the field together for at least this season. The only scenario that leaves room for further speculation is the Saints cross-training Banks at two positions. Then it’s a sign they’re unsure and a training camp battle is on the way.