Tag: Kelvin Banks Jr

3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

3 Guards the Seahawks could target at No. 18 overall in 2025 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, particularly across the interior. Veteran left guard Laken Tomlinson played poorly on an expiring contract and isn’t expected to return. Connor Williams abruptly retired midseason and sophomore blocker Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly inserted into the lineup at center. The right guard position was arguably worse of all, with three rookies and sophomores (Anthony Bradford, Sataoa Luamea, and Christian Haynes) all failing to maximize opportunities.

John Schneider must acquire a guard capable of playing high-level football right away this offseason. The Seahawks own the No. 18 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Guard should be their highest offseason priority. We’ve identified three interior blockers they could potentially target with that pick.

Will Campbell, LSU

Will Campbell played offensive tackle for the LSU Tigers, but many scouts and analysts are projecting him to play guard at the next level. The Seahawks are tasked with assessing his positional versatility throughout this process. If the conclusion is that Campbell is better positioned for success at the guard, the Seahawks should feel comfortable drafting him at 18.

Tyler Booker, Alabama

Tyler Booker may be the most natural first-round guard available. With no questions over his future position, Booker has been a highly effective phone-booth blocker for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He overwhelms opponents with raw power and strength. Considering power has been an issue for the Seahawks’ guards in pass protection, this would represent a welcomed change of pace.

Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. is another first-round prospect facing positional questions. The Texas Longhorns tackle may be a better fit to block on the interior due to questionable foot speed and balance issues. If Banks Jr. plays guard, he’d represent a better option than current in-house candidates Bradford and Laumea.

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 80: Texas OL Kelvin Banks Jr.

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2025 NFL draft.

The last time the Green Bay Packers owned the 23rd overall pick they selected Bryan Bulaga during the 2010 NFL Draft. Fast forward 15 years and the Packers own the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and could use it on an offensive tackle. 

A potential target on April 24 is Kelvin Banks Jr. The Texas offensive tackle checks in at No. 80 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A former five-star recruit and Texas native, Banks finished his career as a Longhorn with 42 career starts at left tackle. 

“Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers gets a lot of credit for helping bring Texas “back,” but Kelvin Banks may have been the catalyst for the Longhorns’ two years of playoff-caliber football,” Joey Hickey, a contributing writer for Athlon Sports, said. “When Banks arrived at Texas, the program could not consistently field a high-level offensive line. After helping the team rebuild in the trenches, Banks could become the first Texas offensive lineman drafted in the first round of the NFL draft since 2002.”

Banks may be one of the most athletic offensive tackles in the 2025 draft class. He’s got the easy athleticism to climb to the second level and shows good range as a run blocker. Banks has strong hands to control the defender at the point of contact. 

“Kelvin is a powerful blocker,” Hickey said. “When you get him moving forward as a pulling blocker his strength allows him to uncoil with significant force. He is adept enough at anticipating where the defender will be not to miss his blocks.”

Banks is ideally built and has agile feet. He has a quick setup in pass protection and is smooth in his lateral slide. The 42-game starter processes things quickly and has an answer for everything that rushers attempt to deploy. According to Pro Football Focus, Banks gave up one sack and 10 pressures. 

“Banks has great footwork and quick feet,” Hickey said. “His alertness immediately after the snap prevents edges from beating him around the corner. If an edge gets a step ahead of him, he is capable of catching up and limiting damage as well.”

Fit with the Packers

A year ago, the Packers selected Jordan Morgan in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. A starting left tackle in college, Morgan played exclusively at guard during his rookie season for the Packers and that may be his natural position in the NFL.

If the Packers believe Morgan’s best fit is at guard, they’ll likely be in the market for an offensive tackle in the upcoming draft. Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker are both entering contract years, as is staring right guard Sean Rhyan.

Will the Packers be able to re-sign all three to keep the offensive line intact? It’s a safe bet that Gutekunst will put a priority on re-signing Tom and he may wait to see how the season plays out before handing Walker and Rhyan second deals.

With all that uncertainty surrounding the future of both starting tackle positions, it’s not out of the question that the Packers draft an offensive tackle in the first round of the upcoming draft.

Banks checks all the boxes. He’ll turn 21 years old in March. He’s a gifted athlete and well-put-together.

If he’s on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 23rd overall pick, his talent may be too good to pass up, even if it means they have to wait a year before he becomes the franchise left tackle.

“In one of Kelvin’s last visits to Texas, he watched Kansas beat Texas 57-56 in overtime,” Hickey said. “What could have been a nail in the coffin for most recruitments, didn’t deter Kelvin from coming to Austin to bring Texas back. He’s as high character a player as you’ll find. He’s not afraid of a challenge. He’s everything I’d want in a franchise left tackle.”

Some NFL teams are going to view Banks as a guard. If the Packers take him in the first round, they likely view him as a future franchise left tackle.

There is no denying that Walker, a former seventh-round pick has exceeded expectations. He’s been a rock-solid blindside protector for Jordan Love.

The question becomes, can the Packers afford to pay Tom, Walker and Rhyan? Also, throw in the potential new contracts for Romeo Doubs and Christain Watson and things could start to add up quickly.

The Packers like to get out in front of potential issues and they could look to add an offensive tackle early in the upcoming draft with an eye on that played potentially replacing Walker. If Banks is on the board, he could be Green Bay’s starting left tackle when the 2026 season kicks off on Thursday Night Football as the Packers begin their quest for a repeat.

Seahawks draft versatile player in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks draft versatile player in latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Death, taxes, and the Seattle Seahawks drafting offensive linemen in 2025 NFL mock-draft exercises. In fairness, there’s no need to ignore the obvious. General manager John Schneider desperately needs to upgrade the protection after it largely derailed the offense in 2024. The best way to achieve that is via the 2025 draft.

In the latest mock-draft iteration, NFL.Com’s Bucky Brooks has the Seahawks selecting Texas Longhorns offensive linemen Kelvin Banks Jr.

“The Seahawks’ pressing needs on the offensive line could result in an early addition to the position group,” Brooks wrote. “While Banks was a three-year starter for Texas at left tackle, some evaluators believe his best NFL spot could be at guard. Whatever the case, Seattle needs help in both areas.”

Banks Jr. played left tackle for the Longhorns this past season, but NFL evaluators view him as a potential guard, as Brooks explained. The Seahawks have a franchise left tackle in Charles Cross, so the expectation here is that Banks Jr. would kick inside. Mike Macdonald’s offense arguably possesses two massive needs at both guard positions.

If the Seahawks view Banks Jr. as a tackle, he could technically compete with the oft-injured Abe Lucas at right tackle. On tape, Banks Jr. possesses high-level physical tools. He’d help improve the Seahawks’ offensive line in 2025.

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13 players Packers could target with 23rd overall pick in 2025 draft

The Packers have the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 draft. Who could be some early targets to monitor?

The Green Bay Packers officially own the 23rd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The last time the Packers held the 23rd overall pick, the franchise selected Bryan Bulaga in the 2010 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Bulaga started at right tackle during Super Bowl XLV for the Packers.

After a disappointing end to the season, the Packers need Brian Gutekunst to put together another stellar draft class and it starts with finding an impact player in the first round.

Who could be available when the Packers are on the clock on April 24th? Let’s take an early look at the landscape.

Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

Williams is a roadblock against the run. He controls his gap and can peel off blocks to get his hands on ball carriers. The Ohio State defensive tackle has the tools to wreck the opposing team’s ground game.

Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M

Scourton has an ideal frame and plays with a ton of power. He has a spin move that would make Dwight Freeney smile and will turn 21 in August. He finished his lone season at College Station with 14 tackles for loss, five sacks and 36 pressures.

Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Texas A&M defensive lineman has a unique blend of power and speed. He’s listed at 6-6, 290 pounds and would bring juice to Green Bay’s pass rush. He’s a player Jeff Hafley could move up and down the defensive line.

Josh Conerly Jr, OT, Oregon

Oregon’s starting left tackle has an NFL frame and gave up one sack and nine pressures this season. He has the lateral quickness to mirror edge rushers and is a good athlete in space.

Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

The Michigan State transfer has bully power to drive offensive linemen backward. Harmon is quick out of his stance and finished this past season with 11 tackles for loss, five sacks and 55 pressures. He’s stout at the point of attack, with the power to shed and toss.

Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

The Alabama transfer finished this past season with four tackles for loss, three interceptions and 13 pass deflections. Amos has an ideal frame and a track background.

Shavon Revel Jr, CB, East Carolina

The East Carolina cornerback suffered a torn ACL in September. If it wasn’t for that season-ending injury, Revel would likely have been a Top 15 pick in the upcoming draft. He’s an athletic, lanky cornerback with the tools to lock down half the field.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Death, Taxes and Ohio State having an NFL-ready wide receiver in the NFL Draft. Brian Hartline deserves a raise. Egbuka is a detailed route runner and has sharp footwork. He’s adept at finding the open spots in zone coverage and has sticky hands. He’d quickly become Jordan Love’s best friend.

Landon Jackson, Edge, Arkansas

Jackson is a Gutekunst pass rusher through and through. He’s a power-packed edge rusher with an ideal frame. He’s a sledgehammer and finished this past season with 10 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures.

Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas

Last season Barron was one of the best slot defenders in the country. This season he’s shown that he can survive on the boundary. Barron led the SEC in interceptions (5) and added 11 pass deflections. He has the drive explosion to arrive before the pigskin and has wide receiver-like ball skills. He’s a physical downfield defender and stays balanced as a tackler.

JT Tuimoloau, Edge, Ohio State

Standing at 6-4 and weighing 270 pounds, Tuimoloau looks like he was sent from central casting. Tuimoloau rushes the quarterback with power and has heavy hands.

Kelvin Banks Jr, OL, Texas

Banks finished his career at Texas with 42 starts at left tackle to his name. Banks has good range as a run blocker and has good movement skills. Some teams may view him as a guard. Given his athleticism, age (21 in March) and potential tackle-guard versatility, Banks could be high on Green Bay’s board.

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The Texas A&M transfer recorded 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and 35 pressures during his lone season at Ole Miss. He has excellent quickness and change of direction skills. Nolen has an explosive first step and could help bolster Green Bay’s interior pass rush.

Seahawks double down on trenches in latest 2-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

Seahawks double down on trenches in latest 2-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler released a two-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft on Wednesday morning. Brugler is one of the more plugged-in draft analysts in the space, so his mock drafts rightfully capture a ton of attention, as they’re often based on conversations with sources around the league.

In the first round, Brugler has the Seattle Seahawks drafting Texas offensive linemen Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 18 overall selection.

“There are plenty of differing opinions around the league on Banks,” Brugler writes. “Some see him as a tackle; others as a guard. Some think he could sneak into the top 15; others see more of a late first-rounder. The Seahawks’ issues on the offensive line extend beyond their personnel, but Banks has “quality starter” written all over him and would help stabilize things.”

It’s interesting to hear Brugler say Seattle’s issues on the offensive line “extend beyond the personnel.” That indicates there’s coaching/management issues as well. It’s worth noting Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald is searching for a new offensive coordinator after firing Ryan Grubb. If the Seahawks view Banks as an interior blocker, he’d be plug-and-play at either guard position. If he’s a tackle, he could push the oft-injured Abe Lucas at right tackle.

Brugler then has the Seahawks taking Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker in the second round at No. 50 overall. Walker entered the 2024 season as a potential first-round pick, but failed to meet expectations by recording just 1.5 sacks in 10 appearances. It’s worth noting the Seahawks drafted Byron Murphy II last year, who plays the same position. Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins are scheduled for free agency, potentially creating another need at defensive tackle.

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Longhorns star lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. named Lombardi Award finalist

Each year it is given to the top lineman in college football

During the 2024 campaign, Kelvin Banks Jr. has been one of the Longhorns’ best players. On Wednesday, he received national recognition for his play when he was named a finalist for the 2024 Lombardi Award. Each year it is given to the top lineman in college football.

Since making his collegiate debut during the 2022 season, Banks has started 37 games and been an anchor in the offensive line. With Banks providing consistency, the Longhorns offense has been hard to stop. Entering Week 13, they rank ninth nationally in team passing efficiency, 12th in passing offense, and 13th in scoring offense.

As Banks has been at the center of the Longhorns’ success, he has also continued to add to his trophy case. He has been named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week twice and the  Outland Trophy’s National Player of the Week once. Due to his play, the Summer Creek High School product has been a popular name in NFL Mock Drafts.

https://twittercom/TexasFootball/status/1859296060876914880

While the Longhorns’ focus is on winning a national championship, Banks will also be looking to make history as his junior season winds down. Brian Orakpo, Tony Degrate, and Kenneth Sims are the only Longhorns to win the Lombardi Award.

Over the next few weeks, Banks will be a player to watch as he continues to make his case. The winner of the Lombardi Award will be announced on Dec. 11, and the Longhorns hope their star hears his name called.

Two Longhorns earn SEC Player of the Week honors

As the Longhorns extended their undefeated run, two players, Kelvin Banks Jr. and Anthony Hill Jr., played key roles

Following their bye week, the Texas Longhorns returned to action on Saturday with an impressive win over Oklahoma. As the Longhorns extended their undefeated run, two players, Kelvin Banks Jr. and Anthony Hill Jr., played key roles. On Monday, they were rewarded for their performance.

In the weekly SEC honors, Hill and Banks took some hardware. Banks was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week for the second time this season, while Hill earned Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors.

As the Longhorns’ defense held Oklahoma to three points, Hill was a human highlight reel. He finished the afternoon with a team-high 11 tackles and two sacks. The talented linebacker was also the only Texas player with more than five tackles and recorded a sack for the fourth straight game. Hill has always been a player the Longhorns can rely on, and he took his game to another level in the Red River Rivalry game.

While Banks may not have shown up on the stat sheet, he was equally impressive. The Texas native was the highest-graded player on an offensive line that paved the way for 406 total yards. He also did not allow a sack or quarterback pressure, allowing Quinn Ewers to be comfortable in the pocket after missing two and a half games.

Although the 2024 campaign is far from over, Hill and Banks have seen their stock skyrocket with their play. Monday was another example of how good they have been and where they rank in the SEC. Their next test will come against the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday who are ranked as the fifth best team in the country.

Saints would be picking top-10 if the 2025 NFL draft started today

The New Orleans Saints would be picking top-10 if the 2025 NFL draft started today. They’re tied for the NFL’s second-longest losing streak after Week 6:

This isn’t where you want to be at any point in the season, but especially not after six games. The New Orleans Saints would be picking top-10 if the 2025 NFL draft started today, according to the latest projections from Tankathon — more precisely, they’d hold the No. 8 overall pick.

After dropping four losses in a row, they’re tied with the Cleveland Browns for the NFL’s second-longest losing streak after Week 6. Only the 1-5 New England Patriots have gone longer without a win. This is the second time in three years that Dennis Allen’s team has held a 2-4 record after Week 6,  having reached just 3-3 last season.

No. 8 would be the highest the Saints have drafted since they traded up to  No. 7 to pick defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis back in 2008, who was out of the league by 2013.

Still, this would be a great slot to add an impact player. Heisman Trophy favorites like Colorado two-way superstar Travis Hunter and a truly generational talent in Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty are both projected to be available. Instant starters along the offensive line might be found, too, if LSU’s Will Campbell or Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks slide a bit. No quarterback looks like a sure thing just yet.

But the draft is months away. Just because the Saints might be picking at No. 8 right now, it doesn’t mean they’ll stay there. Allen’s teams have made a habit of making late-season runs to chase a long-shot playoff berth and that pattern could repeat this year. Allen is coaching for his job, so don’t expect the Saints to go in the tank. If his defense keeps losing games, though, they won’t need to.

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Kelvin Banks Jr. named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week

On Monday, Kelvin Banks Jr. was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week.

Following their fifth win of the season, another Texas Longhorns offensive lineman earned a conference award. On Monday, Kelvin Banks Jr. was named the SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. It was the first time in his career that Banks earned a weekly honor,

On Saturday, Banks was part of an offense that recorded  522 total yards, including 324 in the air and 198 on the ground. He was the highest-graded player on the offensive line and did not allow any quarterback pressures. With Banks at left tackle, Arch Manning was able to get his first SEC win and be comfortable in the pocket.

While Banks was a vital piece to the Longhorns’ success, his stellar play is something fans have become familiar with. In his college career, the Summer Creek High School product has made 34 starts. Entering the 2024 campaign, he was named a 2024 preseason First-Team All-America by the Associated Press, CBS Sports, ESPN, Sporting News, and The Athletic.

As the Longhorns look to win a national championship, Banks will be relied on heavily. He has helped make life easier for Manning and Quinn Ewers, who have dazzled scouts nationwide. Regardless of the opponent, he has conquered every challenge that has come his way.

After a week off, Texas will be back in action on October 12, when they take on Oklahoma. The offense will be in good hands if Banks can build on his play against Mississippi State.

Saints shuffle their offensive line again in this 2025 mock draft

The New Orleans Saints shuffled their offensive line again in this 2025 mock draft. But would you have made the same decision?

So we missed the window for our usual “Mock Draft Monday” feature on a  2025 NFL draft prospect. That’s going to happen when the New Orleans Saints suffer key injuries and lose a very winnable game to end their surprising season-opening win streak. So we’re picking it up with a look at four different options in the upcoming draft class.

We took the draft order from Tankathon’s latest projection, which had the Saints slotted at No. 21, and used the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator to pick for the 20 teams ahead of us.

This left us with several intriguing prospects. The best players available in PFF’s rankings include Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker, Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., LSU right tackle Emery Jones Jr., and Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Those are some great options to choose from.

Jones is clearly going to be the local choice here — beyond starring at LSU, he’s a legit top-15 talent, and the Saints would be lucky to get him as a tone-setting sure thing at right tackle to replace Trevor Penning. But you could just as easily make the case for the other guys.

Walker could improve a run defense that allowed almost 7 yards per carry to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and probably offer more interior pass rush than other guys on the roster. Nathan Shepherd and Khalen Saunders are both only signed through 2025.

Banks could also make sense for an offensive line pick. Taliese Fuaga has done a great job adjusting to left tackle, but many analysts predicted he could be a better fit at guard in the NFL. If Banks is a plug-and-play starter at left tackle, Fuaga could move inside or even go back to his college position on  the right side if the Saints find another answer at left guard.

And then you’ve got Egbuka, who was arguably the most-hyped player in this group. At one point he was seen as a potential top-five draft pick. He certainly has the talent but his production took a serious hit last season (after suffering ankle and knee injuries) and he’s still working to reassert himself in the upcoming draft class. We should also consider he’s got a similar build to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed at a slight 6-foot-1, 205 pounds. How much does he add to the receiving corps?

In the end, we went with Banks. You can find receivers on the second day of the draft. Defensive tackle could be seen as a priority, sure, but realistically they’re going to play half as many snaps per game as one of the offensive linemen available here. And of the two offensive tackles available, Banks is a better prospect. He’s allowed half as many sacks and pressures as Jones on just 23 fewer snaps in pass protection, per PFF charting, while logging 233 more reps as a run blocker and drawing fewer penalty flags. They’ll both be 21-year old rookies (Banks is actually five days younger than Jones).

So who lines up where? We’re guessing Fuaga goes back to right tackle, Banks takes over on the left side, and Penning either tries out at left guard or is shown the door. Drafting Banks is not a perfect solution to their problems but this would be a big step in the right direction.

Still, at the end of the day we’re too far out from the draft to make any serious predictions. Who knows where the Saints will ultimately pick or whether someone like Banks is even going to be available? If nothing else this is a good reminder to watch Banks closely next Saturday  against  Mississippi State, and again on Oct. 12 in the “Red River Rivalry” game with Oklahoma. You can bet the Saints are keeping tabs on him.

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