Kelvin Banks Jr. is a highly touted offensive tackle prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texas Longhorns junior has established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in college football, earning multiple accolades including the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 2024.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, Banks possesses good size for the tackle position, though his height is slightly below ideal for an NFL tackle. Despite this, he compensates with exceptional athleticism, quick feet, and fluid movement skills that allow him to excel in pass protection and run blocking.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kelvin Banks, Texas
Strengths
Banks demonstrates excellent footwork and technique in pass protection. He displays smooth, disciplined movements in his pass sets, establishing a solid foundation and maintaining balance. His quick feet and agility allow him to mirror speed rushers effectively and manage their counter moves.
In the run game, Banks excels at combination blocks and down blocks. He shows good initial quickness and angle positioning, using a gallop technique to deliver a strong pop upon contact. His ability to release, climb, and wall off linebackers is impressive, as he quickly establishes a firm grip to control defenders at the point of attack.
Banks’ athleticism shines in space, making him effective on outside zone runs and screen plays. He demonstrates the quickness and agility necessary to reach the second level and make blocks in the open field.
Weaknesses
While Banks has many strengths, there are areas for improvement. His arm length is below average for a tackle, which can create unfavorable leverage against longer-framed edge defenders. This limitation sometimes causes him to lose inside leverage and allows defenders to shed blocks quickly.
In base blocking situations, Banks occasionally struggles to sustain blocks, particularly on longer-developing plays. His base can widen, leading to a loss of control and balance, causing him to fall off blocks. Additionally, he sometimes lacks awareness and reaction to blitzing linebackers or stunts, allowing penetration and pressure.
NFL Projection
Banks projects as a high-ceiling prospect who could excel at either tackle or guard in the NFL. His advanced pass protection technique and fluid movement skills translate well to tackle, particularly in systems emphasizing quick-game concepts and RPOs. However, his natural leverage and explosive power could also make him an elite interior lineman.
Most scouts project Banks as a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While he may not be considered a top-10 selection, he is likely to be drafted in the 11-32 range of the first round. His versatility and potential make him an attractive option for teams needing offensive line help.
Read More: Texas Longhorns: Kelvin Banks Jr. Lands With Stunning Team In Latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Scheme Fit
Banks would fit best in a zone-blocking scheme that can maximize his athleticism and fluid movement skills. His quick mental processing and natural feel for angles should allow him to excel in such a system. Teams that employ a lot of outside zone runs and screen plays could particularly benefit from Banks’ ability to block effectively in space.
Pro Comparison
While not explicitly stated in the search results, Banks’ skill set and physical attributes are reminiscent of players like Laremy Tunsil or Ronnie Stanley. Both are athletic tackles who excel in pass protection and have the versatility to play multiple positions on the offensive line.
Conclusion
Kelvin Banks Jr. enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the top offensive line prospects. His combination of athleticism, technique, and versatility make him a valuable asset for NFL teams. While he may need some refinement in certain areas, particularly in sustaining blocks and dealing with longer-armed defenders, his potential is undeniable.
Banks has the tools to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, with his ceiling potentially even higher if moved to guard. At worst, he projects as a quality starting tackle in the NFL, with the potential to become an All-Pro if kicked inside to guard.
As the draft approaches, teams in need of offensive line help will undoubtedly have Banks high on their draft boards. His ability to contribute immediately, coupled with his long-term potential, make him one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
