Tyler Shough would be a popular pick for the most valuable player on the team, as the quarterback. Chris Olave would likely be the second guess in many minds. The actual most valuable piece on the New Orleans Saints, in the mind of ESPN's Bill Barnwell, is Kelvin Banks Jr.
Barnwell appraised every roster in the league to see what players are worth a first round pick, and in some cases, which players could get even more on the trade market. Banks is the only player on the Saints Barnwell believes could get more than a first round pick in return from another team.
Bryan Bresee, Olave and Jordyn Tyson were all valued at one first round pick. What likely landed Banks a notch above in the "first round pick and more" category is likely his mix of youth and proof of concept on the pro level. He's younger than Bresee and Olave, and Tyson is a dynamic young prospect but hasn't played a snap in the NFL.
Kelvin Banks Jr. is already taking the leap the Saints need
Banks has only been in the league for a year, but he's shown a high level of play and the ability to be a quick study. The switch flipped halfway through the season, and Barnwell noted Banks "cutting his quick pressure allowed rate from 5.8% over the first half to 0.4% from Week 10 onward" was a huge change throughout his rookie year.
Banks will need to remain close to that level throughout his second campaign. The Saints face some talented pass rushers in the upcoming season, so he'll be face to face with many of the best pass rushers in the league. Some of these pass rushers rush primarily over the right tackle, but Banks will still have to stand tall in the snaps he does face off with them.
It may not be a 0.4% quick pressure type of year all year, but Banks walking out of the season impressively will go a long way for his already high stock. It'll also give Tyler Shough much more time to maximize the growing stable of skill players.
If Kellen Moore's plan is anything like it was a year ago, Banks is going to have his work cut out for him. He regularly kept his offensive tackles on an island to protect without any help. That's what makes his improvement in quick pressure rate allowed so impressive.
The Saints hit big at offensive tackle in the draft, and it was a welcomed sight after years of searching for a left tackle. Along with Taliese Fuaga, Banks gives the Saints a promising offensive tackle duo. If the jump late last year is a sign of what's to come, Banks may be able to break into "two first round picks" category in the near future.
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