One Offensive Tackle Projected to Go Higher Than Expected in NFL Draft

Newsweek

22-04-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Texas Longhorns stud offensive tackle Kelvin Banks entered the 2024 seasons are a contender for the top offensive line prospect in the entire 2025 NFL Draft class.
However, for some reason, Banks' stock began to fall, with some mock drafts having him fall all the way into the bottom third of Round 1.
However, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, there seems to be a rising consensus that the knocks against Banks were all noise, and the has a very good chance to go in the top 10.
Kelvin Banks Jr. #78 of the Texas Longhorns blocks Millard Bradford #28 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Austin, Texas.
Kelvin Banks Jr. #78 of the Texas Longhorns blocks Millard Bradford #28 of the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Austin, Texas.
Photo by"I had an interesting exchange with a GM on Monday night where I said that I thought the Texas big man would go higher than people thought," Breer wrote. '"You mean non-NFL people?"' the GM joked. The implication, of course, was that coaches and scouts have been high on Banks all along."
Of course, this leads one to wonder what the issue was with Banks in the first place, and why he was supposedly falling down draft boards.
And while Breer gives and explanation, his reasoning is a bit odd.
"The whooping Banks took at the hands of Walker and the Bulldogs in the fall, in the regular season and SEC title game, did give teams some pause," Breer wrote. "But with a chance to pull back and look at the bigger picture again, it feels to me like most saw the player they thought coming into the season would be a top-10 prospect."
First things first, Banks the idea that Banks got embarrassed by Jalon Walker against Georgia is not entirely accurate. Yes, Banks gave up two sacks to Walker - the only sacks he gave up all season - but based on the film, it is quite obvious neither one was on Banks' shoulders.
On top of that, Banks did not even play in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia in December, meaning he only faced Walker once.
But despite those issues pointed out by Breer, it appears Banks is now more likely to go in the Top 10 and fall below it.
"Banks is more of a prototype left tackle than Campbell, and is more polished and pro-ready than Membou—even if his tape's not as good as Campbell's and his athletic ceiling isn't as high as Membou's," Breer said. "I think he could go as high as No. 6 to the Raiders, and I wouldn't be stunned to see him land at No. 9 (Saints), No. 10 (Bears) or No. 11 (49ers), either. Chicago, for what it's worth, sent a big crew to his pro day in Austin."