Texas Longhorns’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Falls To Super Bowl Contender in New Mock Draft

Kelvin Banks Jr., the standout offensive tackle from the University of Texas, has emerged as one of the top NFL prospects for the 2024 draft. His blend of size, strength, and athleticism has made him a prime candidate for the first round, with analysts predicting him to be one of the top offensive linemen selected. However, in a recent mock draft, Banks has fallen out of the top ten and landed in the lap of a Super Bowl contender—one that could benefit immensely from his presence on the field.

This surprising turn of events has sparked much discussion among NFL draft analysts and fans, as Banks’ potential seems undeniable. However, the dynamic nature of the draft process often leads to unexpected outcomes. In this article, we’ll break down the potential reasons why Banks might fall to a Super Bowl contender and how his future could unfold with this new scenario.

Kelvin Banks Jr.’s Rise to Prominence

Before diving into his draft projections, it’s important to understand the immense talent and potential that Banks brings to the table. A consensus five-star recruit coming out of high school, Banks quickly turned heads as a freshman at Texas. The offensive tackle is a physical specimen—standing 6’4″ and weighing 325 pounds—able to handle the rigors of the Big 12 and the tough competition at the collegiate level.

At Texas, Banks showcased his versatility, playing primarily at left tackle but also showing the ability to shift across the line if needed. He’s been lauded for his excellent footwork, explosive first step, and ability to engage defenders with strength and technique. These traits allowed him to protect the quarterback’s blind side with efficiency, contributing to a Texas offense that has seen significant improvement in recent seasons.

Not only has Banks been a dominant force in college football, but his leadership and maturity on and off the field have made him an invaluable asset to the Longhorns. It’s no surprise that Banks was named a consensus All-American after his sophomore year, and he has solidified himself as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 draft class.

The Importance of Offensive Tackles in the NFL

In today’s NFL, the importance of offensive tackles cannot be overstated. These players are responsible for protecting the quarterback’s blind side, an especially critical task for quarterbacks who are vital to a team’s offensive success. A dominant offensive tackle can anchor an offensive line and create a stable pocket for the quarterback, which is essential for both passing and running games. Teams that invest in high-quality offensive tackles typically see long-term success and stability on their offensive lines.

The demand for elite offensive linemen has been steadily increasing, and with the way the modern NFL game is evolving, teams are prioritizing strong pass protection more than ever. Kelvin Banks Jr. is regarded as one of the best in his class, which is why so many teams have been keeping a close eye on his draft stock as the 2024 draft approaches.

The Surprising Fall in the Mock Draft

Despite his standout college career, Kelvin Banks’ fall in the latest mock draft has raised some eyebrows. In the initial projections, Banks was considered a surefire top-ten pick, with many analysts placing him in the top five. However, a shift in team needs and priorities in recent mock drafts has led to Banks being projected later in the first round. So, why might this be happening?

One potential reason for Banks’ slide could be the competition at his position. The 2024 NFL Draft class is loaded with top-tier offensive line prospects, including players like Joe Alt from Notre Dame, J.C. Latham from Alabama, and Blake Fisher from Notre Dame. These players have garnered significant attention and have the potential to be selected ahead of Banks. Additionally, the growing trend of selecting pass rushers or quarterbacks early in the first round could push Banks further down the board.

Another potential reason for Banks’ slide could be team needs. Many of the teams with top-ten picks are focusing on positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, or pass rusher, which have greater immediate impact potential. While offensive tackle is a crucial position, some teams may simply have other needs that they view as more pressing, especially if they have solid offensive line units already in place. Furthermore, there could be concerns about the development of Banks in a pro-style offense and his ability to transition quickly into the NFL.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his draft stock, it’s important to note that Banks’ overall talent and skill set remain unquestioned. Even if he does slide out of the top ten, he’s still expected to be a high first-round pick, with some teams seeing him as a future cornerstone of their offensive line.

The Super Bowl Contender That Could Benefit From Kelvin Banks

In the new mock draft, Banks has fallen into the hands of a team that has championship aspirations—a Super Bowl contender looking to bolster its offensive line for the future. This team, with a strong foundation already in place, would be in an ideal position to take advantage of Banks’ talent and help him develop into a franchise-caliber player.

One of the top suitors for Banks in this mock draft is the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who have been perennial Super Bowl contenders under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes, could benefit significantly from adding a player of Banks’ caliber to their offensive line. While the Chiefs already have a talented offensive line, adding a versatile, high-upside player like Banks would give them another piece to solidify their protection for Mahomes and their overall offensive dominance.

The Chiefs’ offensive line has been an area of focus in recent years, and while they have invested in some top-tier talent, they could still stand to improve in the trenches. Mahomes is one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the league, but even he is susceptible to pressure at times. By adding a top-tier offensive tackle like Banks, the Chiefs could ensure that Mahomes has the protection he needs to continue executing their high-powered offense at an elite level for years to come.

In addition to Kansas City, other Super Bowl contenders that could look to add Banks include:

1. San Francisco 49ers: With a solid roster that already boasts one of the most talented defenses in the league and a capable quarterback in Brock Purdy, the 49ers are a team built for the future. Adding Banks to their offensive line could take their offense to the next level, offering protection for their quarterback and opening up lanes for their run game.
2. Philadelphia Eagles: After their Super Bowl appearance in 2023, the Eagles are positioned to remain contenders for years to come. Their offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, but adding a young, athletic player like Banks would provide them with depth and a future anchor on the left side of the line.
3. Buffalo Bills: With Josh Allen leading the offense, the Bills have one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. However, their offensive line has been a point of concern, and Banks could provide an immediate upgrade at tackle. The addition of Banks would give Allen even more protection, making the Bills even more dangerous.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have one of the most promising quarterbacks in Joe Burrow, but their offensive line has been a liability at times. Adding a player like Banks would allow them to protect Burrow better and open up their offense, making them even more dangerous in the AFC.

What Does This Mean for Kelvin Banks Jr.?

While falling to a Super Bowl contender in the draft may have been unexpected, it could actually be the best thing for Kelvin Banks’ development and future success. Joining a team with a strong roster already in place, especially one that is contending for championships, would give him a great opportunity to learn and develop behind established veterans. Additionally, playing on a team with a strong offensive line coaching staff would allow Banks to continue refining his skills and adapt quickly to the pro game.

While it may be disappointing for Banks to fall out of the top ten, his situation is far from dire. In fact, being selected by a Super Bowl contender could allow him to make an immediate impact and help his new team make another run at the championship. Banks’ potential to become a dominant player in the NFL remains high, and regardless of where he is selected in the draft, he will likely be a key piece for whichever team lands him.