At the NFL Combine, the 49ers met with Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

The NFL Scouting Combine, an annual event where draft prospects showcase their skills in front of scouts, coaches, and general managers from all 32 teams, has become a pivotal part of the lead-up to the NFL Draft. As one of the premier showcases for college athletes transitioning to the professional ranks, the Combine is an opportunity for young players to prove themselves, and for teams to evaluate their potential future stars.

Among the many prospects making their case at this year’s event, Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. was one of the standout players being closely watched by several NFL teams, including the San Francisco 49ers. Known for his imposing size, athleticism, and solid performance over his time at Texas, Banks has drawn the attention of many NFL franchises eager to find the next big thing at the offensive line position. The 49ers, a team that has focused on building a competitive, physical roster in recent years, seem to be especially intrigued by the potential of Banks, and their decision to meet with him at the Combine speaks volumes about their interest.

Kelvin Banks Jr.: A Rising Star

Before diving into the details of the 49ers’ interest, it’s essential to understand who Kelvin Banks Jr. is as a player. Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Banks was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school. His combination of size, agility, and raw strength made him one of the most coveted offensive line prospects in the nation, and he eventually chose to stay in Texas, committing to play for the Texas Longhorns. His decision would prove to be a wise one, as Banks would quickly develop into one of the premier offensive tackles in the country.

Standing at 6’4” and weighing in at 320 pounds, Banks is the prototypical size for an NFL offensive tackle. However, what sets him apart is his impressive combination of athleticism, footwork, and balance, which allows him to excel in both run blocking and pass protection. During his time at Texas, Banks became known for his ability to move well in space, his quickness off the line of scrimmage, and his strength in hand-to-hand combat with defenders. He played a key role in the success of the Longhorns’ offensive line, helping to open up running lanes and provide ample protection for the quarterback.

In his freshman season, Banks started all 12 games at left tackle, impressing scouts with his technique and maturity on the field. He became one of the highest-rated offensive line prospects in college football and earned recognition as one of the best young tackles in the nation. By his sophomore season, Banks was firmly entrenched as a top NFL Draft prospect, and he showed further improvement in his game, solidifying his position as a potential first-round pick.

Why the San Francisco 49ers Are Interested

The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most successful teams in recent years, particularly under head coach Kyle Shanahan. Their offensive system relies heavily on the ability to dominate in the trenches, especially with their offensive line. The 49ers’ commitment to creating a physical, run-first offense, while also providing adequate protection for quarterback Brock Purdy (or any other future QB under center), makes offensive line play one of their top priorities.

The 49ers’ offensive line has been a solid unit but lacks the long-term consistency at tackle that could truly elevate the team’s performance. While they have solid players such as Trent Williams, who has been one of the best left tackles in the league for years, Williams is also in the twilight of his career. The 49ers need to think about the future, and Kelvin Banks Jr. represents a potential long-term solution on the offensive line, someone who could develop into a future cornerstone for the franchise.

In fact, during the NFL Combine, many scouts and pundits speculated that Banks could be a strong candidate for the 49ers’ offensive line because of his versatility and athleticism. The 49ers could potentially look to Banks to replace a player like Mike McGlinchey, their former right tackle who left in free agency. Banks’ ability to play both left and right tackle makes him an ideal candidate for a team that prides itself on flexibility and adaptability across the offensive line.

What the 49ers Are Looking for in Kelvin Banks Jr.

When the 49ers met with Banks during the NFL Combine, they were likely interested in gaining more insight into not only his physical abilities but also his mental makeup, work ethic, and football IQ. For any offensive lineman, especially one considered a potential first-round pick like Banks, there is a significant amount of pressure to perform in high-stakes situations. The 49ers would be closely analyzing his ability to handle the demands of the NFL and whether he has the right mindset to succeed at the next level.

1. Athleticism and Movement Skills: Offensive tackles need to be quick on their feet and able to handle a variety of pass-rushers. One of the primary qualities the 49ers would be looking at in Banks is his footwork. Does he have the agility to handle edge rushers in space? Does he possess the lateral quickness to move with defenders, especially in pass protection? At the Combine, Banks demonstrated that he had the mobility to excel in both the run game and in pass protection situations, making him an attractive option for a team like the 49ers that needs a versatile tackle who can fit into their system.
2. Technique and Fundamentals: The 49ers are known for their attention to detail when it comes to technique, and this is particularly true on the offensive line. Banks’ ability to stay low in his stance, punch with proper hand placement, and anchor against powerful pass rushers will be crucial for his NFL success. In meetings with the 49ers, Banks would have had the opportunity to showcase his understanding of the intricacies of offensive line play, and his ability to apply that knowledge in real game situations.
3. Football IQ and Adaptability: Offensive linemen need to be able to read defenses, recognize stunts and blitzes, and make adjustments on the fly. The 49ers would be particularly keen on Banks’ football IQ, as it would allow him to quickly adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. Throughout his time at Texas, Banks showed a solid understanding of defensive schemes, as well as a knack for adjusting to different defensive alignments.
4. Physical Tools: Banks possesses the ideal size and strength needed to succeed at the NFL level. At 6’4″ and 320 pounds, he has the raw power to handle most defensive linemen. His ability to use that strength to control defenders at the line of scrimmage and in the open field makes him a prime candidate for a team like the 49ers, who rely on physicality to win in the trenches.
5. Durability and Stamina: Given the demanding nature of the NFL, the 49ers will want to assess Banks’ durability and ability to maintain high-level performance throughout an entire season. During his time at Texas, Banks showed that he was able to handle the grind of a full college season without significant injury. However, in the NFL, the level of competition is even more intense, and consistency is key. The 49ers will need to assess his ability to stay healthy and perform week in and week out.

The 49ers’ Offensive Line Philosophy

The 49ers have traditionally prioritized balance and versatility on their offensive line. Under Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have built their offensive identity around a strong running game, often relying on zone blocking schemes that require their offensive linemen to be athletic, quick, and capable of getting to the second level. This philosophy places a premium on mobility, which is one of Banks’ standout attributes. The 49ers value players who can move and adjust on the fly, both in the passing game and when opening holes in the running game.

Additionally, the 49ers are known for their ability to develop offensive linemen and get the most out of their potential. Mike McDaniel, who was previously the offensive coordinator with the 49ers, played a huge role in shaping the team’s offensive line play. Now, with Chris Foerster overseeing the offensive line, the team continues to emphasize coaching and development. Banks could benefit from this approach, as he is still young and has room to grow into an elite player at the next level.

The Draft Outlook for Kelvin Banks Jr.

At the NFL Combine, Kelvin Banks Jr. solidified his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. Whether or not he ends up with the San Francisco 49ers remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: he has the skills, tools, and mindset to succeed in the NFL. The 49ers’ interest in Banks is indicative of his rising stock, and he is likely to be selected early in the first round of the draft.

The 49ers’ pick is positioned in the middle of the first round, and given their focus on improving their offensive line, Banks could easily fit their needs. If the 49ers decide to go in a different direction with their first-round pick, Banks may still be a prime target for them in the later rounds, as they are sure to continue evaluating him in future team workouts and evaluations.

A Strong Future for Kelvin Banks Jr.

As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, Kelvin Banks Jr. has positioned himself as one of the most promising offensive tackle prospects available. Whether or not the San Francisco 49ers end up selecting him, the interest shown in Banks at the NFL Combine is a strong indication that he has the potential to make an immediate impact in the league.

Banks’ combination of size, athleticism, technique, and football IQ makes him a valuable asset to any NFL team looking to improve their offensive line. For the 49ers, their meeting with Banks signals that they are seriously considering him as a future cornerstone of their offensive line, and whether they select him or not, he is poised for a successful NFL career.