Banks’ Big Leap: Longhorn Lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. Lands in New Orleans with the 9th Overall Pick

The dreams of a young man from Humble, Texas, forged in the fiery crucible of the Longhorns offensive line, have materialized on the grand stage of the National Football League. Kelvin Banks Jr., the formidable offensive tackle who anchored the Texas attack for three seasons, heard his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected ninth overall by the New Orleans Saints. This pivotal moment marks the culmination of years of dedication, relentless training, and dominant performances on the collegiate gridiron, propelling Banks into the professional ranks as one of the most highly touted offensive line prospects in recent memory. His selection not only signifies a personal triumph but also stands as a testament to the strength and pedigree of the University of Texas football program, heralding what many anticipate will be a banner year for Longhorns entering the league.

Banks’ journey to this auspicious occasion began long before he donned the burnt orange and white. A consensus five-star recruit coming out of Summer Creek High School, he was recognized as one of the nation’s elite talents. The transition to the demanding world of college football can be daunting for even the most gifted athletes, but Banks embraced the challenge with unwavering resolve. From the moment he stepped onto the Forty Acres, he exuded a maturity and physicality that belied his youth. Starting all 42 games of his collegiate career at the crucial left tackle position, Banks quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Texas offensive line, a unit that played an instrumental role in the program’s resurgence, culminating in a coveted spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff.

His junior season was nothing short of spectacular, a campaign that solidified his status as the premier offensive lineman in the nation. The accolades poured in, a testament to his consistent dominance and impact on the Longhorns’ success. Banks was honored with the prestigious Lombardi Award, recognizing the nation’s top offensive lineman, and the Outland Trophy, awarded to the best interior lineman. Further underscoring his exceptional performance, he shared the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the Southeastern Conference’s most outstanding offensive lineman, a testament to his seamless transition and dominance in a new, highly competitive conference. Beyond the hardware, the statistics speak volumes about his prowess. In his final two seasons at Texas, Banks remarkably allowed only one sack in each year, a testament to his refined technique, exceptional footwork, and unwavering focus in pass protection. He was the linchpin of an offensive line that consistently ranked among the nation’s best in protecting the quarterback.

Beyond his individual brilliance, Banks’ presence was a galvanizing force for the entire Texas offense. His reliability and consistent high level of play provided a sense of stability and confidence for the quarterbacks behind him and the running backs who benefited from his powerful run blocking. He possessed a rare combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ, allowing him to excel in both pass protection and the ground game. His quickness and agility enabled him to effectively handle speed rushers off the edge, while his strength and leverage allowed him to move defenders in the running game. This versatility made him an invaluable asset to the Longhorns’ offensive schemes.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, Banks’ name consistently appeared near the top of draft boards. Scouts and analysts lauded his impressive blend of physical tools, collegiate production, and leadership qualities. His performance at the NFL Scouting Combine further solidified his standing, showcasing his athleticism and confirming his readiness for the rigors of professional football. While he opted not to participate in the bench press, his 5.16-second 40-yard dash, 1.79-second 10-yard split, 32-inch vertical jump, 8-foot-8-inch broad jump, 4.66-second 20-yard shuttle, and 7.81-second 3-cone drill demonstrated his agility and explosiveness for a player of his size (6-foot-5 and 315 pounds).

The New Orleans Saints, holding the ninth overall pick, identified Banks as a player who could immediately bolster their offensive line and become a cornerstone of their team for years to come. For the Saints, this selection addresses a critical need for a young, talented, and reliable offensive tackle. Banks’ proven track record of protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes at the highest level of college football offers an immediate upgrade to their offensive unit. His maturity and experience, having started every game of his college career, suggest that he possesses the mental fortitude and technical proficiency to make a seamless transition to the NFL.

The impact of Banks’ selection extends beyond the New Orleans Saints organization. For the Texas Longhorns program, his high draft status serves as a powerful recruiting tool and a source of immense pride. It underscores the program’s ability to develop elite offensive line talent and prepare players for the professional ranks. Banks becomes the first Longhorn off the board in what is anticipated to be a draft with multiple Texas players selected, further highlighting the program’s growing strength under Coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian himself has been effusive in his praise of Banks, stating that he believes the young lineman has the potential for a long and successful NFL career, citing his physical attributes, mental makeup, and consistent reliability.

For Kelvin Banks Jr., this is just the beginning of his NFL journey. He now embarks on the challenging but rewarding task of proving himself at the highest level of the sport. He carries with him the experience of competing against top collegiate talent and the lessons learned during his time in Austin. The New Orleans Saints and their fans will undoubtedly be eager to see him translate his collegiate success to the professional game. His arrival in the “Big Easy” brings with it the promise of a dominant presence on their offensive line, a player capable of protecting their quarterback and paving the way for a potent running attack.

As Banks transitions to the NFL, he leaves behind a legacy at the University of Texas as a dominant offensive lineman and a key figure in the program’s recent success. His name will be etched in the annals of Longhorn football, and his accomplishments will serve as an inspiration for future generations of players. Longhorn Nation will undoubtedly be watching his professional career with great interest, eager to see him continue his ascent and achieve even greater heights in the NFL. The selection of Kelvin Banks Jr. ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft is not just a significant moment for him and his family, but also a proud day for the University of Texas and a hopeful sign for the New Orleans Saints as they look to build a formidable team for the future. His blend of talent, work ethic, and maturity suggests a bright future awaits him in the NFL, and his journey will be closely followed by many who witnessed his stellar career in burnt orange.