If it weren't for Tyler Shough being a quarterback, Kelvin Banks Jr. would have been the talk of the New Orleans Saints 2025 NFL Draft class. After a strong rookie season, Banks is expected to take another step forward. Pro Football Focus' Bradley Locker put Banks on the 2026 All-Breakout team.
Locker thinks Banks could be even better in his second season because the Saints brought in David Edwards. Having a steady presence on the side of Banks should put less on his plate. Left guard was one of the weakest points on the team. Edwards may allow Banks to play more freely and even provide Banks some help when neccessary.
One aspect Locker didn't explore is Kellen Moore chose to leave his tackles on an island in many occasions. He threw Banks into the fire and he responded impressively. The pressure is on him to do it again in this upcoming year.
Kelvin Banks Jr. has a few prove it games in 2026
Banks is coming off a fantastic rookie campaign. It's how he was able to find his way onto this list. He could prove Locker correct by carrying the momentum into 2026. When looking at the schedule, it will be far from easy. Banks is going to have to see some elite edge rushers in Year 2
As tough of a schedule as it is for Banks, it could have been much worse. The Saints have a ridiculously hard list of edge rushers they'll have to face, but Taliese Fuaga may actually get the worst of it. T.J. Watt, Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, Maxx Crosby, Jaelan Phillips and Rueben Bain all primarily rush from the offense's right side. Banks will have to see them as well, but Fuaga will draw those matchups more frequently. We'll pick that up later
Banks has the toughest task, however. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year and record holder for most sacks in a single season Myles Garrett took over 80% of his snaps on the defensive line over the left tackle. There's a chance Banks may have to see him in every single snap. At least, the Saints will have a bye week before the game.
In addition to Garrett, Banks is going to have to see one of the Falcons two young edge rushers twice a year. The Giants have three to four pass rush threats they could deploy against Banks, and Trey Hendrickson likes to rush off the left side. Fuaga has the most tough matchups, but Banks definitely has a few elite head to heads of his own that can prove he's more than a rookie sensation.
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