Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Future Cornerstone of an NFL O-Line

First Round Mock’s Philip Jaccoma Jr. has found someone he believes can anchor an offensive line at the next level, Texas Longhorn’s left tackle (LT) Kelvin Banks Jr.

It’s no secret that certain positions are valued more than others in the NFL. Offensive tackle is among those highly sought after, and the 2024 NFL Draft confirms this with EIGHT of them being selected in the first round.

Now more than ever, the value of drafting a quality tackle is clear.

Teams rarely let a potential franchise tackle reach free agency, meaning there is a huge demand to grab the best athletes in this position during the draft.

My point? Banks will undoubtedly be drafted sooner rather than later in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is not only because of necessity but also due to his star ability.

As always, the good.

The junior Longhorn was instrumental to a successful Texas offense last season, earning All Big-12 selection and Second-Team All-American as awarded by the American Football Coaches Association.

Banks provides exceptional length and build for the position, matching up perfectly as a direct counter to edge rushers.

Power is another noteworthy quirk of Banks. He has the strength and explosiveness to drive defenders off the line in run plays and stifle rushers in pass protection.

Why not draft him?

In a new segment I’ve decided to start adding to my articles, I will list a prospect’s negative qualities and contrast them to his draft position and viability.

There are a few things to note with Banks. His foot speed and overall technique when pass blocking are not where they need to be to compete against elite edge rushers. This isn’t alarming, but simply something to note when thinking about him going up against the league’s best.

Another knock on his game is his hand placement on run blocking and his tendency to overcommit, which allows defenders to come off his block. His pad level also varies and isn’t consistent.

These weaknesses are nothing alarming, and his strengths thoroughly outweigh them.

Jaccoma’s Bottom Line

Can he help an NFL team win? – Yes.

Banks will be a cornerstone of an NFL offensive line for years to come. Sure, there may be an initial adjustment for him going from the college to the pro ranks (like some experience). However, his floor is a solid starter and his ceiling could be an All-Pro selection.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

#78 Kelvin Banks 6-foot-4, 320 pounds

Philip Jaccoma Jr.’s 2024 Summer Grade: First-Round

Projected by 91.7% of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of July 24, 2024 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Game film reviewed (2023): Rice, Alabama, Wyoming, Baylor, Kansas, Oklahoma, Houston, BYU, Kansas State, TCU, Iowa State, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Washington (Sugar Bowl- College Football Playoffs)

Banks’ physical gifts can’t be understated. Explosiveness in spades. Can anchor down with lower body strength. Rarely gets beat on the power rush. Possesses remarkable lateral ability for size. Solid punch and initial contact. Pad level can sometimes be inconsistent. Great at getting upfield for run-blocking. Inconsistent when reaching and sealing outside zone defenders. Recovery speed is shaky. No injury concerns.

What to watch for during the 2024 college season

1. Success in run-blocking and sealing lanes
2. Continued technical refinement in pass-protection
3. Consistency with pad level

Philip Jaccoma Jr. is a rising junior at Rutgers University, pursuing a major in Journalism and Media Studies and a minor in Sports Management. As well as being an aspiring writer and draft analyst for FirstRoundMock.com, he is a sports writer for his school’s student newspaper, The Daily Targum, and a sports broadcaster and producer for WRSU-FM, Rutgers radio. To view more of Philip’s work, follow @PJaccoma on X.