With the ninth pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints bypassed quarterback Shedeur Sanders, edge rusher Mykel Williams, and more to take Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Kelvin Banks Jr. Emotional as Name Is Called at NFL Draft
Banks wasn’t present in Green Bay, Wis., for the draft. Instead, he chose to take in the experience at home with family.
Upon learning he was being taken ninth overall to the Saints, Banks was incredibly emotional as he donned the Saints draft cap.
Kelvin Banks is going to the New Orleans Saints! pic.twitter.com/NxwKKfg0Li
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander)
Banks Jr. Scouting Report
PFSN’s Ian Cummings provided a scouting report of Banks Jr., writing the following:
“Kelvin Banks Jr. has all the physical attributes needed to be a high-level starting offensive lineman at the NFL level. He has the athletic traits that scouts drool over at the offensive tackle position. He’s a natural mover with quick feet and impressive short-area explosiveness.
“Thanks to his low center of gravity and determined tenacity, he’s capable of driving defenders off the ball. He still stands to improve his hand usage and timing, as premature punches can contribute to lurches and lapses in balance.
“Nevertheless, there’s plenty to like with Banks. He’s a former five-star recruit, a team captain, and a translatable talent at both tackle and guard, and his ability to get out in space and finish separates him from most.”
Cummings also ranked Banks as the fourth offensive tackle prospect behind Armand Membou, Will Campbell, and Josh Simmons.
He stands 6’4″ and 320 pounds with arms at about 33.5″. While Banks played tackle in college, Cummings thinks that could change at the next level.
“There’s a chance Kelvin Banks Jr. eventually moves to guard. He doesn’t have elite arm length or hip flexibility — two factors that often usher tackle prospects inside. But there’s nothing forcing a move for Banks, as his tackle tape is good enough to invest in early.
“A former five-star recruit, three-year starter, and team captain at Texas, Banks finished his Longhorns career with his best season yet. He’s always been a menace in the run game with his explosiveness, range, and brawling tenacity, but his footwork improved in 2024.
“More often, you saw Banks adjust his pass set based on rush angles, and he’s shown he can anchor with his core strength and strong lower body. His hands can still be more consistent, but he can be a vital piece up front in the run game, with pass-game upside.”
