The New York Giants are actively seeking to bolster their offensive line, with a particular focus on securing a top-tier offensive tackle in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Among the most promising candidates is Texas Longhorns’ standout, Kelvin Banks Jr. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 324 pounds, Banks has demonstrated exceptional athleticism and technical prowess throughout his collegiate career.
Collegiate Career and Achievements
Kelvin Banks Jr. has been a cornerstone of the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line since his freshman year. Starting in all 13 games as a freshman, he earned recognition as a Freshman All-American. His performance continued to impress in his sophomore year, where he started all 14 games and was named a First-Team All-Big 12 selection. Notably, Banks was a semifinalist for both the Joe Moore Award and the Lombardi Award in 2024, underscoring his status as one of the nation’s premier offensive linemen.
Playing Style and Strengths
Banks is renowned for his fluid lateral movement and superior mobility, qualities that are essential for a modern offensive tackle. His quickness off the line of scrimmage allows him to effectively execute both run and pass blocking schemes. In the run game, he exhibits a powerful punch with excellent hand placement, enabling him to dominate defenders. His agility and change-of-direction skills are particularly evident when pulling and leading on run plays, where he consistently reaches the second level to engage linebackers.
Considerations for the New York Giants
The New York Giants have a history of selecting offensive linemen in the first round, with varying degrees of success. While Andrew Thomas has become a premier left tackle when healthy, others like Ereck Flowers and Evan Neal have faced challenges in their professional careers. Given this track record, the Giants are approaching the 2025 draft with caution. Some analysts suggest that selecting Banks could be a prudent move to strengthen the offensive line, especially considering the team’s recent struggles in this are
Potential Fit and Future Impact
If the Giants were to select Kelvin Banks Jr., he would likely be expected to transition to the right tackle position, complementing Andrew Thomas on the left side. This alignment could provide the Giants with a formidable bookend tackle duo, enhancing the protection for their quarterback and improving the overall offensive line performance. Banks’ experience in various run schemes and his ability to adapt to different blocking assignments would be valuable assets in the Giants’ offensive system.