There were 25 offensive tackles drafted in the 2025 NFL draft. None of them fell into a better situation than Kelvin Banks Jr., in the eyes of Pro Football Focus' Trevor Sikkema.
For the second year in a row, the New Orleans Saints selected an offensive tackle in the first round. The ceiling of this pick has been often discussed. Best case scenario, the Saints have their offensive tackle duo for the foreseeable future. That's exactly what Sikkema sees happening
Saints needed a player like Kelvin Banks Jr.
Pro Football Focus' metrics graded all of the Saints offensive linemen's pass block grade below 70.0. Banks finished with a grade of an 89.0 in his last collegiate season. The Saints did deal with injuries along the offensive line, but they were healthy at offensive tackle. Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning played in every game.
The starters were taken out early against the Dallas Cowboys, and Fuaga left the second game against the Atlanta Falcons due to injury. Other than that, the pair played in every snap on the season. That's a large enough sample size.
The eye test will tell you Fuaga played very well in pass protection, despite Pro Football Focus' grading. However, the point is Banks walks into a situation in New Orleans Sikkema sees as thirsty for pass protection.
Banks can help the Saints financially
The clear benefit is Banks starting at offensive tackle would give you two offensive tackles on a rookie contract. That would not have been the case if the Saints move forward with Trevor Penning at tackle.
New Orleans declined Penning's fifth year option, so he'll be due a new contract this offseason. Putting Banks at left tackle would produced Sikkema's desired ripple effects along the Saints offensive line. Fuaga moves to his natural position of right tackle and Penning could compete at guard.
Sikkema pointed out 2025 is a "make-or-break contract year" for Penning. If he does succeed this year, it would be much cheaper to reward him at guard than tackle.
Penning wouldn't make a case to be the highest paid at either position regardless, but the highest paid guard doesn't even crack the top-five highest paid offensive tackles. Paying Penning serviceable guard money would be friendlier to the Saints salary cap.