New Orleans Saints select Kelvin Banks in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

Viewed as one of the top offensive tackles in the class, Kelvin Banks has heard his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft. Banks was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round with the No. 9 overall pick. There might be questions about the long-term position for Banks but one thing is for certain — a quality player is heading to New Orleans.

Banks’ selection does make a little bit of history for Texas. First-round picks at the offensive line have been quite rare in recent years. Mike Williams was the last one all the way back in 2002, going to the Buffalo Bills with the No. 2 overall selection.

This has been a long time coming for Banks, though. He was a five-star prospect coming out of Humble (TX) Summer Creek as the No. 22 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Steve Sarkisian then wasted no time in putting Banks into action. He was named the starting left tackle ahead of the 2022 season as a true freshman and never gave up his position, injury withstanding. Texas had a consistent presence on Quinn Ewers‘ blindside for three seasons, something the program had not been able to say for a long time.

Banks now hopes the same can be true about his NFL career. Between immediate impact and finding consistent success, his time in Austin shows the blueprint with his new team.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Kelvin Banks

Ahead of the draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein broke down Banks and gave a detailed scouting report on the Texas offensive tackle. He even provided a few comparisons, saying Banks reminded him of Peter Skoronski and Christian Darrisaw.

“Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros,” Zierlein said. “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. He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard.”