If you spent any time watching the Texas Longhorns over the last few years, you probably noticed number 71. Or, more accurately, you noticed that whoever was lining up across from him basically disappeared for four quarters. That’s the Kelvin Banks Jr. effect. When the New Orleans Saints turned in their card for the Kelvin Banks Jr NFL draft selection at ninth overall in 2025, they weren't just picking a blocker. They were buying insurance for the next decade.
People get weird about arm length. It’s the "small hands" of the offensive line world. Scouts saw Banks’ 33.5-inch arms at the Combine and started whispering about a move to guard. Honestly? It's kind of silly. You don't start 42 straight games at left tackle in the Big 12 and SEC—allowing only four sacks in nearly 1,500 snaps—if you can't play on the edge. The Saints saw through the noise.
The Scouting Reality of Kelvin Banks Jr
Banks isn't your typical "dancing bear" left tackle who wins purely on being a giant. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 315 pounds, he's actually built more like a tank than a skyscraper. His game is built on a foundation of balance and a punch that feels like being hit with a wet bag of cement.
During his time in Austin, he wasn't just surviving; he was hunting. He won the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in 2024 for a reason. He’s got this weirdly smooth kick-set that lets him meet speed rushers at the junction point before they can even dip their shoulder. If you try to bull-rush him? Good luck. He anchors like he’s rooted into the turf.
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But look, no prospect is perfect. Even a guy as decorated as Banks has "stuff" to work on. Sometimes he gets a little too eager at the second level and lunges. If you're an NFL linebacker, you’re just going to sidestep that and make the tackle. He also had a bit of a yellow flag issue his junior year, racking up seven penalties. That’s the kind of thing that drives NFL line coaches like John Benton or Doug Marrone absolutely crazy.
Why the New Orleans Saints Pulled the Trigger
The Saints entered the 2025 draft with a massive hole on the blindside. They needed someone who could walk into the building on Monday and start on Sunday. Banks was that guy. While some mocks had him sliding into the teens because of that "short arm" narrative, New Orleans prioritized the film.
The tape against Georgia in 2024 was the real litmus test. Facing off against NFL-caliber edge talent, Banks showed he could handle the "heavy hands" of pro-style defenders. He’s got 90th-percentile wingspan (84 3/8 inches) which, as PFF experts have pointed out, often matters way more than raw arm length. It’s about the total reach, not just the bone from shoulder to wrist.
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- Career Sacks Allowed: 4 (Total)
- Total College Starts: 42 (Every single game)
- Bench Press: 27 reps (Elite power)
- Vertical Jump: 32 inches (Shows crazy lower-body explosiveness)
Beyond the Trench: What Makes Him Different?
It's not all just film study and lifting weights. Banks has a personality that fits the "big man" mold perfectly. If you follow him on social media, you’ve probably seen his "Austin BBQ Tour." The guy is a connoisseur. There’s something to be said for an offensive lineman who takes his food—and his craft—that seriously. It shows a level of "physical culture" that coaches love.
The transition to the NFL is usually brutal for tackles. You’re going from blocking 20-year-olds to blocking Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. But Banks has been "the guy" since his freshman year. He held his own against Will Anderson Jr. when he was basically still a teenager. That kind of experience is rare. You can't coach the "been there, done that" vibe he brings to the huddle.
The Guard vs. Tackle Debate
We have to talk about the position flex. Even though he’s a Day 1 starter at tackle for the Saints, his ability to slide inside to guard is a massive safety net. If a team has a sudden injury crisis, Banks can play all five spots in a pinch. He’s got the lateral agility (4.66 shuttle) to pull and lead-block on screens, which is terrifying for a 190-pound cornerback to see coming at them.
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Most people thought he’d be the first tackle off the board. In reality, he was part of a stacked class alongside Will Campbell. The debate between those two will probably rage on for years in NFL circles. Banks is the "floor" guy—you know exactly what you’re getting. Campbell might have the "ceiling," but Banks has the reliability that saves general managers' jobs.
What to Watch for in His Pro Career
Now that he’s in the league, the focus shifts to his hand placement. In college, you can get away with "clamping" and holding onto the jersey. In the NFL, those 33.5-inch arms mean he has to be faster with his strike. If he lets a pro rusher get into his chest first, he’s going to have a long afternoon.
He also needs to stay "attached" longer in the run game. Sometimes he'll deliver a great initial blow and then let the defender slip away. In a zone-blocking scheme, that’s a recipe for a tackle-for-loss. But these are all fixable, technical things. You can't teach the power he has in his hips or the way he moves for a man his size.
Actionable Insights for Following Kelvin Banks Jr:
- Watch the "Reach" blocks: Keep an eye on how the Saints use him in the run game. If they're asking him to hook defensive ends on outside zones, it means they fully trust his foot speed.
- Monitor the Penalty Count: His transition success will be measured by discipline. If he keeps the holding calls under three for the season, he’s an All-Rookie lock.
- The "Anchor" Test: Watch him against power rushers like Aidan Hutchinson. If Banks can hold his ground without giving up the "pocket push," he’s officially a franchise tackle.
- Instagram BBQ Check: Seriously, if you want to know where to eat in New Orleans, follow his food reviews. The man knows his brisket.
Kelvin Banks Jr. isn't just a draft pick; he's the cornerstone of the Saints' post-era rebuild. Whether he stays at left tackle for fifteen years or eventually moves to the right side, the pick was a home run the moment the commissioner read the name.