New York Giants Draft Prospect: OT Kelvin Banks, Jr., Texas
As the New York Giants look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, one position that remains an area of concern for the franchise is the offensive line. Despite some improvements in recent seasons, the Giants have struggled to consistently protect quarterback Daniel Jones, and they will likely look to bolster this critical area with a potential first-round selection. Among the top prospects on their radar is Kelvin Banks, Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Texas.
Banks, a highly touted sophomore, has garnered attention for his combination of size, athleticism, and versatility. His ability to protect the quarterback and open up running lanes has made him one of the premier offensive line prospects heading into the 2025 draft. For a team like the Giants, who have invested in their quarterback and need to ensure his protection moving forward, Banks could be the type of player who can help solidify their offensive line for years to come.
Early Life and High School Career
Born and raised in the Houston area, Kelvin Banks, Jr. quickly made a name for himself in the world of football. Like many players who develop into future stars, Banks was a standout from a young age, earning recognition in high school for his size and ability. As a four-star recruit, he was one of the most coveted offensive linemen in the 2022 recruiting class, and his high school career at Summer Creek High School helped solidify his reputation as a future star in college football.
Banks played both offensive and defensive line during his high school career, but it was clear early on that his future was on the offensive side of the ball. His ability to protect the quarterback and dominate defenders in the running game made him a rare talent, and by the time he left Summer Creek, Banks had earned numerous honors, including first-team All-State recognition. His strength, size, and agility made him a top priority for college programs, with Texas emerging as the perfect fit for his skillset.
College Career at Texas
Banks enrolled at the University of Texas in 2022, and it didn’t take long for him to establish himself as one of the premier offensive tackles in the country. As a freshman, Banks earned immediate playing time, and his impact was felt almost instantly. He started all 12 games at left tackle, one of the most critical positions on the offensive line, and became a cornerstone of the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line.
What stood out about Banks during his first season was not only his raw talent but his maturity and understanding of the game. Despite being a true freshman, Banks was rarely outmatched on the field, displaying excellent footwork, quickness, and a solid understanding of blocking schemes. His ability to handle both power rushers and speed rushers, as well as his ability to anchor in pass protection, set him apart from many of his peers.
In 2023, Banks continued his development and became even more dominant. His performance helped the Texas offense maintain a high level of success, as he provided stability for the Longhorns’ running backs and allowed quarterback Quinn Ewers the time he needed to make plays. Banks was consistently one of the top performers on the field, showcasing his ability to play at a high level in both the run and pass games.
By the time he was entering his sophomore year in 2024, Banks had already established himself as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in college football. His reputation as a franchise-changing left tackle began to take shape, with scouts and analysts praising his combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ.
Strengths of Kelvin Banks, Jr.
One of the key factors that has made Kelvin Banks, Jr. such a highly regarded prospect is his physical attributes. Standing 6’4″ and weighing around 320 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal frame for an NFL offensive tackle. His size allows him to engage defenders with authority and anchor in pass protection, but he also has the agility and quickness to handle speed rushers on the edge. His movement skills are exceptional for a man of his size, allowing him to slide in pass protection and make plays in the run game.
Banks is also a technically sound player. His footwork is one of his most impressive attributes, allowing him to recover quickly if he’s ever caught off balance. He has excellent hand placement and uses his long arms effectively to engage defenders and control them. His ability to mirror rushers while keeping his balance and body position is rare, and it makes him a difficult player for defensive linemen to beat consistently.
In the running game, Banks is a force. He has the strength and physicality to drive defenders off the ball, opening up holes in the running game. His ability to get to the second level and engage linebackers is another factor that helps make Texas’ offense so dangerous. Banks doesn’t just dominate in one-on-one situations but also contributes to the team’s overall scheme, making him an ideal fit for a variety of offensive systems at the NFL level.
His work ethic and dedication to improving his game are also noteworthy. Banks has consistently shown a willingness to put in the effort to refine his technique, both in the weight room and on the field. He has continually improved year after year, and his development over the course of his time at Texas has caught the eye of scouts and coaches across the league.
Areas for Improvement
While Banks has few glaring weaknesses, there are a few areas where he can continue to improve as he prepares for the NFL. One area that could use some refinement is his consistency with his hand placement in pass protection. While he is generally very good at using his length and hands to control defenders, there are moments where his hand usage becomes erratic, which can lead to defenders getting inside his frame. As he faces faster and stronger pass rushers in the NFL, refining his technique will be crucial.
Additionally, while Banks is very quick for his size, he could benefit from refining his lateral movement and quicker reactions to certain types of defensive schemes. In the NFL, edge rushers are not only fast but also very skilled at setting up offensive tackles with various pass-rush moves. Banks will need to be more patient at times, as some defenders will try to bait him into committing to a rush move that he’s not prepared for.
Finally, while Banks is a solid run blocker, he can still work on his ability to sustain blocks through the whistle. There are moments when defenders will get into his body and break free, which limits his effectiveness in the run game. As he faces more powerful defensive linemen in the NFL, his strength and ability to maintain leverage will be key to his success.