Feb. 27, 2026, 3:30 p.m. CT

With the ninth choice in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive tackle from the Texas Longhorns. It was the second straight year the Saints had drafted a tackle in the first round. In 2024, New Orleans drafted Taliese Fuaga with the 14th overall pick. This marked the fourth time in six years that the Saints had used their first round choice on an offensive lineman.

Fuaga played left tackle as a rookie, but would flip to the right side after Banks was drafted. A left tackle at Texas, Banks was the third offensive tackle off the board. He was penciled in as the starting left tackle for New Orleans immediately. The expectations were high for an offensive line that has struggled in recent seasons in spite of several high draft choices.

Kelvin Banks Jr. Year in ReviewPosition: Left TackleAge: 21Height: 6-feet, 5 inchesWeight: 315 poundsNFL experience: 1st year2025 season: 17 games (17 starts)

Banks came out of Texas with an impressive pedigree. He was a two-time All-American, three-time All-Conference selection, and won both the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award in 2024. Almost immediately, Banks showed why he was worthy of those collegiate honors and high draft status. A starter from the first snap of training camp, Banks adapted quickly to the speed of the NFL. The Saints often put him on an island in pass protection, where he routinely handled the league’s best pass rushers. As a run blocker, Banks showed excellent technique and power. He displayed elite footwork, agility, and strength from the start and got better throughout the year, both in pass protection and for the rushing attack.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

Banks started every game and played 1,066 offensive snaps, 95% of that unit’s total and more than any other offensive player for the Saints. He was voted onto the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie team, joining Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough with that honor. Only twice all season was Banks flagged with a holding penalty, as he displayed the traits of a dominant left tackle.

Kelvin Banks Jr. was one of the few consistently bright spots for the Saints offense from year’s start to finish. At only 21, he and Taliese Fuaga (age 23) look like a dominant tandem of tackles and cornerstones for a rebuilding New Orleans offense.