Kelvin Banks Jr.
Summary
Kelvin Banks Jr. was selected in Round 1 (#9 Overall) in the 2025 Draft out of University of Texas. Banks brings a compelling package of technique, athleticism, and versatility at the offensive line position. His standout strengths include excellent footwork, hand usage, mobility in space, and aggressive run‑block traits. His developmental tasks primarily revolve around finishing blocks consistently, anchoring against power rushers, and adapting to isolated elite opponents. With his skill set, he has the tools to be a cornerstone lineman for many years—assuming the evolution continues.
Strengths
Technical pass‑set and footwork: Banks demonstrates smooth movement in his kick set, maintaining strong inside foot positioning and staying relatively square against edge rushers. Bleacher Report
Strong hand usage and punch timing: He employs refined hand techniques—including a “bait” move—to disrupt rushers’ timing, and effectively counters both outside and inside moves. Bleacher Report
Versatility and athleticism in space: Though primarily a tackle, Banks shows the agility and mobility to pull, lead on screens, climb to the second level, and block in motion—traits uncommon for many linemen of his size. Bleacher Report
Run‑block pop and aggression: He displays a nasty streak in contact, initiates blocks assertively, arrives at fits on combo blocks with good pad‑level and then drives defenders backward. Bleacher Report
Weaknesses
Arm length and leverage concerns: At the tackle position, his arm length (33½″) and build are viewed as slightly below the ideal for handling elite edge rushers’ reach and creating favorable leverage battles. NFL Draft Buzz
Sustain and anchoring vs power rushers: While he can win early and move defenders, some evaluations indicate his ability to hold blocks through the full duration of long developing plays (especially in pure drive‑blocks) is still inconsistent. Bleacher Report
Finish and balance in run schemes: On prolonged run‑block reps or angle‑drive blocks, he can get upright, lose his base, or overextend—reducing his effectiveness in press‑and‑drive run games.
Adjustment to elite one‑on‑one matchups: Because his college system often provided help (double‑teams, quick game), there are questions about how he will perform in isolated, high‑level NFL pass‑rush scenarios.
Fit & Outlook
Kelvin Banks Jr. is an excellent fit for teams looking for a lineman who can start early, offer strong pass‑protection and flexibility across tackle or guard, and thrive in movement based /run‑and‑pass balanced schemes. In the short term, he projects as a Day 1 starter, likely at tackle but with guard as a viable long‑term home if length concerns persist. Over the medium to long term, if he continues to refine his sustain, leverage, and finish in the run game, his upside is a Pro‑Bowl caliber lineman capable of anchoring a front. His floor is that of a high‑quality starter; his ceiling is as a dominant interior lineman or versatile tackle/guard combo.