Kelvin Banks Jr. predicted to be drafted by Seattle Seahawks, per Joel Klatt

The battle for OT1 in this year’s NFL Draft may come down to the very end. Kelvin Banks is certainly one competing for the spot but at the very least, he is projected to be a first-round pick. Exactly where Banks gets selected is not yet known but FOX’s Joel Klatt provided a guess.

Klatt recently mocked Banks to the Seattle Seahawks, who currently hold the No. 18 overall pick. Position versatility is a big positive in Klatt’s eyes, especially since Seattle does currently have a left tackle. But depending on future roster decisions, Banks could wind up being the franchise’s left tackle.

“Their left tackle, Charles Cross, he’s entering a pivotal year for him, Year 4,” Klatt said. “Seahawks have a decision to make on his next contract. I’m taking the tackle from Texas, Kelvin Banks Jr. He’s an excellent player. I think he’s got position versatility. He can move down if you want him to. I think they could flip him out to right tackle if you really wanted to. Their left guard, Laken Tomlinson, is a free agent so that could be a potential bridge spot for Banks.”

Banks has been at left tackle from the moment he stepped foot on the 40 Acres. Injuries were the only reason he was not playing while games were still competitive. Not too often does a player walk into a program such as Texas, win the left tackle job, and keep it for three straight years.

Still, some projections believe Banks might be better suited to play guard. Klatt did not provide a definite opinion but knows one thing for certain — Seattle needs to get better on the offensive line at all costs. Teams had their way with the Seahawks up front last season, a brutal place to be.

Drafting Banks is more about acquiring talent and figuring out the pieces to the puzzle at a later date.

“Seattle allowed the fourth most sacks in the league last year,” Klatt said. “They need more talent on the offensive line. These picks don’t tend to be all that sexy but if you’re Geno Smith, you were under a ton of duress last year. Pressured on nearly 40% of his dropbacks, that was fifth most in the National Football League.”

Seattle playing in a competitive NFC West gets a whole lot tougher when the quarterback cannot stay clean. Banks, no matter where positioned, can certainly help if picked by the Seahawks.