The 2025 NFL draft got off to a bang in the top five. The Cleveland Browns traded back with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags got up two the second pick, while the Browns moved back to fifth and garnered more draft capital for this year and next.

That decision from a couple of AFC teams may have heavily influenced the overall plan for the Las Vegas Raiders and the New Orleans Saints.  

Travis Hunter trade potentially shook up Raiders' draft plan

According to Vic Tafur, the Raiders likely would have picked Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr. if Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty was an off the board. 

Instead, the Jaguars' deal with the Browns allowed Jeanty to slide a bit because Jacksonville got up the board to get Travis Hunter. 

The Jacksonville/Cleveland trade from last night heavily impacted the #Saints

If the Jags don’t pull off the trade/get Travis Hunter, they likely would’ve taken Ashton Jeanty at 5.@VicTafur reported if Jeanty was gone, the Raiders would’ve likely picked Kelvin Banks Jr.

— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) April 25, 2025

As the first round was shaken up a bit following the Jacksonville Jaguars trade up to No. 2, the Raiders stood pat at No. 6 and made the selection that had been rumored for weeks in going with Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. — Tafur, The Athletic

With Banks off the board without that trade, it would have been a different pick for New Orleans at ninth overall. The Saints reportedly entertained trading back, and maybe – that would have happened if Banks wasn't available. 

Kelvin Banks Jr. goes to the Saints 

Regardless, Kellen Moore's team chose to address an offensive line that was extremely inconsistent a season ago. It is tough to predict where Banks will play along the OL next season, but it is easy to imagine he will slot in at left tackle in the long-term. 

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Banks noted that he will play wherever he needs to in order to help the Saints offense the most. His versatility is a piece of his profile that improved his stock, and his openness to adapt is admirable for a young lineman. 

Kelvin Banks says he’ll play wherever the Saints need him, left tackle, right tackle, guard, whatever the best 5 is.

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) April 25, 2025

Now, the Saints head into day two of the draft with plenty other questions to answer, including a major one at the QB position. 

New Orleans Saints’ biggest needs entering Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft after taking Kelvin Banks Jr. in Round 1

The New Orleans Saints upgraded their offensive line to kick off their 2025 NFL Draft. Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is headed to The Big Easy for Kellen Moore's squad.  After that pick, where does New Orleans need to look to improve their roster on day two of the draft? Saints' biggest needs […]