Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. could be the new target for the Washington Commanders following the NFL Scouting Combine.

Texas Longhorns Offensive Lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.: A Rising Star for the Washington Commanders After the NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL draft season is always filled with intrigue, surprises, and plenty of speculation about which players will rise up draft boards. For Kelvin Banks Jr., the offensive tackle from the Texas Longhorns, the 2025 NFL Draft could be his breakout moment. As one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects, Banks has already impressed scouts and analysts with his dominant performances at Texas, and after a stellar showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, he is rapidly emerging as one of the top prospects in the entire draft class.

The Washington Commanders, a team that has struggled in recent years with inconsistency on the offensive line, have taken notice of Banks’ impressive talent. The team has prioritized rebuilding its offensive line to provide better protection for its quarterbacks and create a more potent running game. With their eyes on the future, the Commanders could see Banks as the perfect fit to help anchor their offensive line for years to come.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at Kelvin Banks Jr., his path to stardom at Texas, his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, and why the Washington Commanders could be making him their target in the upcoming draft. Additionally, we will explore how Banks could help revamp Washington’s offensive line and provide the much-needed stability to its offense.

Kelvin Banks Jr.: A Brief Overview of His College Career

Kelvin Banks Jr. was a standout offensive tackle at Texas, and his rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. Hailing from Beaumont, Texas, Banks was a highly sought-after recruit in the 2022 class, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impact at the college level. Banks quickly became one of the best young offensive linemen in the nation and earned a starting role in his true freshman season.

Over the course of his two seasons at Texas, Banks showcased his immense talent, both as a run blocker and a pass protector. At 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, Banks possesses ideal size and strength for a left tackle. His athleticism, combined with his technical skills, made him an immediate force on the field. He is known for his explosive first step, great balance, and ability to mirror defenders. Whether it’s setting the edge in the running game or locking down pass rushers, Banks has the complete skill set that NFL scouts covet in a premier offensive tackle prospect.

During his time at Texas, Banks helped protect the Longhorns’ quarterbacks and created running lanes for their backs. His development under head coach Steve Sarkisian and offensive line coach Kyle Flood was clear, as he became more polished and consistent each season. Banks’ quick feet, strong hands, and the ability to move defenders off the line of scrimmage quickly turned him into a top-tier draft prospect.

Banks’ journey at Texas came with accolades, including All-Big 12 honors and recognition as one of the best offensive linemen in the country. He displayed the ability to dominate against both speed rushers and powerful pass rushers, showing versatility and a high football IQ that was unmatched by many of his peers.

A Stellar NFL Scouting Combine Performance

One of the most important events in the lead-up to the NFL Draft is the NFL Scouting Combine. This event serves as a showcase for draft prospects, where they perform a series of athletic drills and tests in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. For Kelvin Banks Jr., the Combine was an opportunity to prove he belonged among the elite players in his draft class.

Banks did not disappoint. His performance at the Combine solidified his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects for the 2025 draft. Some of his standout performances included:

• 40-yard dash: Despite his size, Banks ran a remarkably fast 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.88 seconds. This is an impressive time for an offensive tackle, showcasing Banks’ mobility and agility. His quickness on his feet was evident, and it confirmed that he has the athleticism to handle speed rushers at the next level.
• Bench press: Banks displayed incredible strength with 30 reps on the bench press, showing his ability to overpower defenders and anchor against power rushers. This performance reinforced his status as a physically dominant lineman capable of holding his ground in the trenches.
• Vertical jump: Another highlight was his 33-inch vertical jump, which illustrated his explosiveness and agility. For an offensive tackle, this is a strong indicator of his ability to generate power in short bursts, which is crucial for engaging defenders and pushing them off the line of scrimmage.
• Shuttle drills: Banks excelled in the agility drills, especially the 3-cone drill and shuttle drill, where he displayed excellent change-of-direction skills and the ability to recover quickly. This is a critical trait for an offensive lineman, as it shows Banks can adjust to various pass rush moves and handle defenders who are shifting their momentum.

Overall, Banks’ performance at the NFL Scouting Combine reaffirmed his elite status and made him one of the most intriguing prospects at the position. His combination of size, strength, athleticism, and technical prowess put him firmly in the mix as one of the first offensive linemen off the board in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Why the Washington Commanders Could Target Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Washington Commanders are a team that has been in need of offensive line help for some time. Despite having talented skill players, including Antonio Gibson at running back and Terry McLaurin at wide receiver, the offense has been hindered by poor play in the trenches. Over the past several years, Washington has struggled with inconsistency and injuries along the offensive line, leading to a lack of protection for their quarterbacks and inadequate run blocking.

In the 2024 season, the Commanders gave opportunities to several young linemen, but the results were mixed. Quarterback Sam Howell showed flashes of potential, but without consistent protection, his development was stunted. Additionally, the team’s running game never fully clicked, despite having talented running backs. To build a sustainable offense for the future, the Commanders must prioritize strengthening their offensive line.

This is where Kelvin Banks Jr. comes in. Given his immense potential and standout performance at the Combine, Banks fits the mold of what Washington needs. As an athletic, strong, and technically sound left tackle, Banks could provide the Commanders with the stability and protection they have been lacking. In an increasingly pass-heavy NFL, securing a franchise left tackle is paramount to ensuring the success of a young quarterback like Sam Howell. By drafting Banks, Washington could provide Howell with one of the best young offensive tackles in the league, giving him the time and space to develop into a consistent starting quarterback.

Banks’ ability to anchor against power rushers and move laterally to handle speed rushers is precisely the type of skill set Washington needs to address its offensive line woes. His size and strength make him an immediate upgrade over the current personnel on the offensive line. Moreover, his agility and mobility make him well-suited for Washington’s offensive system, which frequently uses zone-blocking schemes and asks its linemen to be mobile in space.

Additionally, having Kelvin Banks Jr. on the roster would allow the Commanders to stabilize the left tackle position for the foreseeable future. Tackles are among the most valuable positions in the NFL, and securing a young, high-upside player like Banks could provide a foundation for the offensive line that lasts for years.

Potential Fit in Washington’s System

Washington’s offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, is known for his dynamic offensive play calling and ability to adapt to his personnel. Bieniemy, who came from a highly successful stint as the offensive coordinator with the Kansas City Chiefs, could benefit from having a top-tier left tackle like Banks to protect the quarterback’s blindside. Banks’ versatility would allow him to excel in Bieniemy’s system, which emphasizes both pass protection and the running game.

The ability to run the football effectively has been a focal point for the Commanders, and having a player like Banks who excels as both a pass protector and a run blocker could help open up new possibilities for the offense. His quickness and power in both areas of the game would allow Washington to be more diverse in its offensive attack, improving their ability to run play-action passes and get the ball downfield.