The Athletic's Dane Brugler is putting together his NFL Draft rankings (by position) heading into the season and he has Kelvin Banks third behind LSU's Will Campbell and Emery Jones.
3. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (6-4e, 325e)*
What he does best: Stays controlled in his pass sets
With his smooth body control, Banks has the initial quickness to reach his depth landmarks and stay square to rushers. He can handle wide rushers or cut off inside moves thanks to his controlled movements — but also because he has the football IQ to understand what rushers are throwing at him. Scouts say the Texas coaches rave about the way Banks is wired in his preparation and how it plays out in games.
Even when long-armed rushers can reach his chest, Banks maintains his square base, breaks contact and shields his quarterback in space.
Must improve: Run-blocking adjustments
Though he plays controlled in pass protection, Banks needs to improve his body positioning and hand usage to reset and consistently gain the upper hand in the run game. He has the feet to execute a wide array of blocks but needs to cut down on the forward lean and improve his adjustments, especially in space.
2024 season/2025 NFL Draft outlook
A highly recruited five-star player, Banks was one of the first major wins of the Steve Sarkisian era in Austin. Not only did Banks earn the starting left tackle job as a freshman, but several Longhorns players have told me that he established himself as one of the team leaders his first summer with the program. He faced several talented pass rushers over his first two seasons at Texas and more than held his own, separating himself as an All-American.
The Texas offense has been highly productive the past two seasons with star skill players like Bijan Robinson, Jonathon Brooks, Xavier Worthy and Adonai Mitchell, who all were drafted in the first two rounds. But consistency on the offensive line has been a substantial reason for the Longhorns’ rise, which should continue in 2024. Some NFL scouts believe Banks’ NFL future will be inside at guard, but regardless, he has the tangible and intangible talent to secure first-round status next April.
