The New Orleans Saints fortified their offensive line by taking now-former Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Banks is the first Texas offensive lineman to go in the first round since Mike Williams was taken No. 4 overall by the Buffalo Bills in 2002.
ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. tabbed Banks as his No. 13 overall prospect. Banks was also Kiper's No. 3 offensive tackle, behind Missouri's Armand Membou (No. 8) and Will Campbell (No. 9). Campbell was drafted by the New England Patriots at No. 4 and Membou by the New York Jets at No. 7.
"Banks has 42 career starts under his belt, with every single snap coming at left tackle," Kiper wrote. "And amazingly, he gave up only three sacks. He has the mobility to quickly block off the edge and then the frame and strength to take care of power rushers.
"He just needs to become more consistent in the run game as a blocker. Banks missed the SEC championship with an ankle injury but returned for Texas' CFP games."
Banks started 15 games for Steve Sarkisian's Longhorns last season, giving up just one sack. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein compares Banks to Peter Skoronski and Christian Darrisaw.
"Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros," Zierlein wrote. "Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection. He's technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks.
"He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point. Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms."
