The rookie should see success early in 2025.
The New Orleans Saints stayed disciplined in round one of the 2025 NFL Draft and selected tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas. While not an exciting pick, the 6-foot-5 tackle will immediately make an impact as a starter.
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The Saints drafted tackle Taliese Fuaga with their first-round pick in 2024 and double-dipped on the offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft to anchor their trenches. If Banks starts, New Orleans will have four first rounder and one second rounder on their starting offensive line.
While the orientation of the Saints’ offensive line hasn’t been decided/revealed yet, Banks’ athleticism and size will make an immediate impact during his rookie year in the run game. The former Texas tackle is quick off the snap, getting him to the second level quickly. Bank’s ability to track defenders and lock them on blocks will help open running lanes and his high motor allows him to bounce from defender to defender and stay in the play.
Head coach Kellen Moore is coming off a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles with an emphasis on running the ball. Running back Saquan Barkley had a career year, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns under Moore, and was the center point of the Eagles offense. The Saints will try to replicate this offense around veteran running back Alvin Kamara with them likely to start a rookie quarterback in 2025.
Taliese Fuaga is New Orleans’ future at left tackle and Trevor Penning has accelerated his development since switching to right tackle. While Banks started all three seasons at Texas as a tackle, some believe he could be a guard at the next level. No matter where the Saints decide to start their rookie offensive lineman, his raw size and athleticism will make an immediate impact on the team’s new run-heavy offense.
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