New York Giants on the Hunt for Diamond in the Rough, Turning Hopes to Texas Prodigy Kelvin Banks Jr.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the New York Giants are looking to continue their upward trajectory following their recent playoff success. After making strides in their offensive system, the Giants know that a true and lasting contender begins with the foundation of a strong offensive line. For a team with aspirations of more sustained success, protecting their quarterback, Daniel Jones, is imperative. However, finding the right piece to upgrade their offensive line can be a challenge. Enter Kelvin Banks Jr., a rising star out of the University of Texas whose potential could be the solution to the Giants’ ongoing offensive line woes.
While the Giants have already made significant moves to address their offensive line in recent years, their pursuit of a long-term solution at left tackle is far from over. Kelvin Banks, with his combination of size, athleticism, and raw talent, presents a potentially transformative option for the Giants. The key now is whether Banks, a relative newcomer to the spotlight in terms of draft prospects, can live up to the hype and provide the Giants with the franchise tackle they’ve been seeking.
The Search for Stability: A Giants Offensive Line Struggling to Protect
The New York Giants have had a tumultuous history when it comes to their offensive line. Despite some success over the years, inconsistency has plagued the group, and Daniel Jones has faced significant pressure to perform under less-than-ideal circumstances. In an era where quarterback protection is paramount to a team’s success, the Giants cannot afford to leave their signal-caller vulnerable.
As the 2025 season nears, the team is clearly aware that their offensive line needs an upgrade, particularly at left tackle. The left tackle position is vital for both protecting the quarterback’s blindside and establishing a solid run game. The Giants have experimented with different combinations and have invested in their offensive line, but they’ve yet to find the ideal solution at left tackle—a position that’s often the most challenging to fill.
While the team has seen improvement from players like Andrew Thomas, who has grown into one of the league’s top tackles, left tackle remains a hole the Giants need to fill. Jones, whose mobility and playmaking ability can be enhanced with better protection, is poised to benefit significantly from a steady and reliable offensive line. The Giants’ playoff push in 2024 has shown that they have the right pieces on offense, but their future success hinges on making improvements where they are most vulnerable.
Enter Kelvin Banks Jr.: Texas’ Rising Star
Kelvin Banks Jr. is a name that is rapidly gaining attention on the NFL Draft circuit. The sophomore offensive tackle from the University of Texas has been one of the most hyped prospects in recent memory, drawing comparisons to some of the league’s most dynamic tackles. With his size, athleticism, and technical ability, Banks represents everything the Giants need in an offensive lineman.
Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal physical traits to succeed as a left tackle in the NFL. His ability to handle both speed and power rushers has already drawn high praise, and his blend of quickness and strength enables him to not only protect the quarterback but also be a force in the running game. Banks’ solid build and elite athleticism allow him to quickly engage defenders and keep them at bay, while his nimbleness for his size makes him adept at handling speed rushers coming off the edge.
Banks’ time at Texas has showcased his exceptional growth and raw talent. Starting as a freshman, he quickly adapted to the college game, playing at an elite level as a 19-year-old. His combination of size and agility made him an immediate force on the Longhorns’ offensive line. He has continually improved, with his technique becoming more refined as he gained more experience. Banks is a player who is always learning and adjusting, and that type of mentality bodes well for his potential success in the NFL.
One of Banks’ standout traits is his ability to protect the quarterback while also contributing in the run game. His skills in pass protection are exceptional—he is quick to set up in his stance, with great hand placement and footwork, which allows him to neutralize defenders on passing downs. His run-blocking ability is just as impressive, as he shows a mean streak when driving defenders off the ball, helping open lanes for running backs.
For the Giants, a player like Banks represents the potential missing piece they have long been looking for. A left tackle with both the size and athleticism to shut down top edge rushers while also offering the strength to dominate in the running game is a rare commodity. For a team like the Giants, who are looking to build their offense around Jones, having an anchor on the left side of the line could open up more opportunities for the offense to flourish.
Why Kelvin Banks Jr. Fits with the Giants
For the New York Giants, the addition of Banks to their offensive line could be an absolute game-changer. At left tackle, Banks would provide Jones with the protection he needs to thrive, giving him more time in the pocket to survey the field and make plays. Whether it’s extending plays with his legs or throwing downfield, Jones’ ability to make plays is directly linked to how well his offensive line performs.
The Giants have made strides to improve their running game, with Saquon Barkley as the focal point. However, Barkley’s success relies heavily on the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes, and Banks can be a key contributor to that cause. By adding Banks to the mix, the Giants would have a player who can not only block defenders in pass protection but also pave the way for explosive runs.
Additionally, Banks’ intelligence and football IQ make him an ideal fit for a team that places a premium on chemistry and consistency up front. Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and head coach Brian Daboll have worked tirelessly to improve the line’s cohesion and communication, and Banks’ ability to immediately understand and adapt to the Giants’ blocking schemes would give him the ability to make an immediate impact.
One area where Banks can help the Giants is in creating more depth along the offensive line. While the team has had success with some of their current starters, injuries and inconsistent performances from other players have hurt them in recent seasons. Having a player like Banks, who is capable of starting right away and excelling, would not only provide a reliable option at left tackle but also give the Giants more flexibility on the line moving forward.
What Banks Needs to Improve Before the NFL
While Banks has all the tools to succeed, like all prospects, there are areas of his game that need refinement before he’s ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL. One area that Banks needs to focus on is his ability to sustain blocks and finish plays. While he can engage defenders and win in the early stages of the block, there are times when he can struggle to finish plays with the same level of power.
Another area of focus is his ability to handle elite pass rushers with a diverse array of moves. While Banks has been dominant at the college level, he will need to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses, where edge rushers bring a much wider variety of moves. Improving his hand placement and footwork will be crucial to Banks’ development, as the NFL’s elite pass rushers will test him on a weekly basis.
Finally, adjusting to the speed of the game and learning to be more patient in pass protection will help him refine his game. Banks has all the physical tools, but making the jump from college to the NFL is a huge step, and the Giants will be counting on him to rise to the occasion.