Drafting Kelvin Banks Jr. proves that New Orleans Saints HC Kellen Moore hasn't been lying to fans recently
The New Orleans Saints have made their pick at the ninth overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is headed to Kellen Moore's offense. Kelvin Banks Jr. pick supports Kellen Moore's philosophy Kellen Moore has recently discussed how a roster must be constructed in a "position-less" way quite […]
The New Orleans Saints have made their pick at the ninth overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft. Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is headed to Kellen Moore's offense.
Kelvin Banks Jr. pick supports Kellen Moore's philosophy
Kellen Moore has recently discussed how a roster must be constructed in a "position-less" way quite often. Coming from the Philadelphia Eagles, Moore knows how important dominance in the trenches can be.
Not to mention, the Saints now have a potential offensive tackle duo that's super young. Taliese Fuaga had a solid rookie year in 2024, and now, Banks can step in opposite of him.
Trevor Penning's future
The future of Trevor Penning is certainly up in the air, especially after Saints GM Mickey Loomis announced they would decline his fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
Maybe- we see Penning slide into the left guard spot on the OL this season for New Orleans. He'd be a bigger guards, but it would help minimize his mistakes from missteps in footwork. Inside, he has a higher floor than he has in his pro career at tackle so far.
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas Longhorns Scouting Report
Age: 21 (3/10/2004)
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: No. 13 overall, Round 1
Scouting Report: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is an interesting evaluation. He has one of the highest ceilings as a tackle in this class but he is most likely going to have more early career struggles than any other projected first round pick at the position in this year’s class. He just recently turned 21 and already has three years as a starter at Texas on his resume. He is a strong pass protector that moves well off the line to engage with edge rushers, helping keep his QB upright. He needs to get stronger if he wants to be a plus-value asset in the run game, and that's going to take some time. Banks also won’t meet the arm length threshold to play tackle for every team, so depending on where he lands, there's a chance he gets forced to kick inside to guard. — Destin Adams, A to Z Sports
Career Projection: Pro Bowl Potential
New Orleans has plenty of other needs to address going forward in this year's draft. Improving the offensive line was clearly at the top of Moore's to-do list after they were statistically one of the worst in pass protection a season ago.
New Orleans Saints 2025 draft picks released: Kellen Moore has tons of ammo to replenish the roster in his first offseason
The New Orleans Saints have made some notable moves during the first couple of waves of NFL free agency. Accordingly, their 2025 NFL Draft plans have come into focus with a plethora of different needs remaining. The Saints hold a top ten selection in round one. On day two, they currently hold three picks between […]
