2025 NFL Draft prospect profile – Kelvin Banks, OT/OG, Texas

Where will Banks line up in the NFL?

The offensive line wasn’t a problem for the Giants in 2024, at least not until it was ravaged by injuries and depth players were forced onto the field and out of position.

But even before the injury bug hit, feeling was that the line was fine for now and needed long-term answers with several positions being manned by older vets. How they continue to build their line for the long term will be a story to follow throughout the process.

Kelvin Banks out of Texas is one of the more intriguing offensive linemen in this year’s draft. He has plenty of experience at left tackle for the Longhorns, and could probably play tackle at the NFL level as well. However, he has the potential to play guard as well.

Could Banks be an option for the Giants if he slides on draft day?

Prospect: Kelvin Banks (78)
Games Watched: vs. Michigan (2024), vs. Oklahoma (2024), vs. Georgia (2024), vs. Indiana (2024)

Measurables

Kent Lee Platte | RAS.football

Strengths

Best traits

• Athleticism
• Competitive toughness
• Run blocking
• Pass protection

Kelvin Banks Jr. is an experienced, athletic, and dependable offensive line prospect.

Banks offers solid size at 6-foot-5, 315 pounds, while also having plus athleticism and “tackle” feet. He’s a very smooth mover who covers ground easily while maintaining a wide base. Banks has enough foot speed to keep up with speed rushers off the edge as well as anchor against looping defensive tackles.

He’s a reliable pass protector who was able to match up with the best the SEC had to offer. He’s seldom upset by stunts or delayed pressure, and does a good job of sustaining his blocks. Even when he can’t lock down the opposing defender, Banks is able to do just enough to keep the pressure from disrupting his quarterback. Whether that’s recovering to usher a pass rusher around the pocket or disrupt them with his hands as they attempt to slip past them.

Banks is also an effective run blocker who can execute both gap and zone schemes. He has the lateral agility to stress defenders in outside zone, as well as the power to drive defenders off the ball when he uncoils blocking downhill. He’s also a capable blocker in space, with the movement skills to get into position quickly and a definite nasty streak when blocking at the second level.

Weaknesses

Worst traits

• Lunging
• Arm length

There are two main issues in Banks’ game.

The first is with his arm length, and while Banks’ arms aren’t exactly short by NFL standards, they do fall a bit below ideal. He also has a tendency to let his hands drift wide while delivering his punch, further limiting his effective length. That can not only give defenders relatively easy access to his chest plate, it can make it difficult for Banks to gain inside leverage and control.

It could also have an effect on his other main issue; a (slight) tendency to lunge into contact.

Banks is a good athlete and a smooth mover, however there are instances where he bends at the waist and gets out over his toes while trying to deliver his punch. That compromises his leverage and balance, and can make it easy for pass rushers to beat him. Banks’ tendency to lunge could be influenced by his arm length and a desire to make first contact while delivering a jolt to defenders.

Game Tape

(Banks is the Texas left tackle wearing number 78.)

Projection

Kelvin Banks Jr. projects as a starting offensive lineman at the NFL level.

The bigger question is where he starts. Some teams could look at him as a potential starting tackle thanks to his experience at Texas and movement skills. However, a move inside to guard might help him reach his highest ceiling.

While Banks has solid feet and athleticism for a tackle, he would be an exceptionally athletic guard. Unlike many tackles, he would only be slightly taller than ideal for a guard, and have average arm length. Likewise, moving inside could help cure him of his tendency to lunge, as he wouldn’t have to cover as much ground or block defenders while retreating.

He could have a future similar to Zack Martin, Justin Pugh, or Joel Bitonio as a good college tackle who becomes a great guard.

Does he fit the Giants?
Yes, value permitting

Final Word: A fringe first round talent