Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. works out privately with the NFC South team.

As the NFL Draft continues to loom on the horizon, collegiate athletes across the nation are working tirelessly to prove they have what it takes to make it at the next level. For offensive linemen, the pre-draft process can be grueling, as scouts and coaches meticulously evaluate every aspect of their game. For Kelvin Banks Jr., the standout offensive tackle from the Texas Longhorns, this period of assessment has taken a fascinating turn. Recent reports suggest that Banks, one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, recently participated in a private workout with a team from the NFC South. This exclusive workout, held away from the eyes of the public and media, has generated considerable buzz in both the college football and NFL communities.

As one of the top players at his position, Banks’ decision to work out privately with an NFL team is a testament to his burgeoning draft stock and his potential to become an immediate impact player at the professional level. But how did this come about? What does this mean for Banks’ future, and what could it mean for the NFC South team in question? Let’s break down the situation and examine why Banks’ private workout is such a significant event.

The Rise of Kelvin Banks Jr. at Texas

Kelvin Banks Jr. was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school in 2022. As a 5-star prospect and one of the top offensive tackles in the nation, Banks quickly became a centerpiece of Texas’ offensive line. His recruitment was closely watched by many top programs, but it was the Texas Longhorns who secured his commitment, and it didn’t take long for Banks to make an immediate impact on the field.

In his freshman season at Texas, Banks demonstrated why he was regarded as one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation. Starting every game at left tackle, he showcased impressive technique, agility, and raw strength, setting the foundation for what would be an exciting collegiate career. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and open running lanes for Texas’ running backs was immediately evident, earning him praise from coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.

As a sophomore in 2023, Banks continued to develop his game under the tutelage of Texas offensive line coach Kyle Flood. His improvement in both pass protection and run blocking solidified his status as one of the premier offensive tackles in the country. He not only excelled in individual matchups but also helped Texas field one of the most balanced offenses in college football, contributing to the Longhorns’ strong showing in the Big 12 Conference.

Throughout his time at Texas, Banks showcased a unique blend of size, athleticism, and technical ability. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing around 325 pounds, he possesses ideal physical traits for an NFL offensive tackle. More than just his size, it’s his ability to move with quickness, maintain excellent footwork, and use his hands effectively that have garnered attention from NFL scouts. Many have noted that his movement skills and ability to mirror defensive linemen are already at a professional level, making him a highly sought-after prospect.

The Significance of Private Workouts

In the lead-up to the NFL Draft, private workouts have become an important tool for NFL teams to further evaluate potential draft picks. These workouts, which are typically closed to the public, allow teams to put players through drills and situations that give a more personalized assessment of a player’s skills, athleticism, and fit within a particular system. These sessions are often more intimate than the traditional combine workouts or pro days, and they can offer coaches and scouts a unique insight into a player’s potential.

For a prospect like Kelvin Banks Jr., a private workout is an opportunity to show NFL teams that he’s not just a system fit, but also a player who can make an immediate contribution to a professional roster. It allows coaches to see how he handles specific situations they expect him to encounter at the next level. Whether it’s how he handles bull rushes, his ability to deal with different defensive line stunts, or his overall footwork and flexibility in pass protection, private workouts can be an opportunity to shine in ways that traditional drills can’t capture.

Banks’ decision to participate in a private workout with an NFC South team is particularly intriguing because it indicates that his draft stock has climbed to the point where NFL teams are eager to ensure they have a thorough understanding of his capabilities. These workouts are usually reserved for players who are viewed as legitimate first-round or second-round prospects, and Banks, as one of the top offensive tackles in the 2024 class, clearly fits that description.

The NFC South Team: A Potential Landing Spot

While the specifics of the NFC South team that conducted the workout have not been disclosed, the division’s teams—Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers—each have varying degrees of need for help on their offensive lines. For Banks, the fact that an NFC South team is taking an interest in him could have significant ramifications for both his immediate future and the future of the team in question.

1. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are one of the teams in the NFC South with a clear need for offensive line upgrades. Although the Falcons have invested in their offensive line in recent years, the team still struggles in pass protection, particularly at the tackle positions. Banks, with his ability to lock down the left tackle spot, could be an ideal fit for a team that is building around young talent like Desmond Ridder at quarterback and Bijan Robinson at running back.

The Falcons have made significant investments in their offense, and securing a player like Banks would solidify their offensive line and ensure long-term protection for Ridder and open up running lanes for Robinson. Adding a tackle with Banks’ skill set could make the Falcons’ offense much more dangerous in the coming years.

2. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are another NFC South team with an offensive line in need of improvement. After drafting Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Carolina is looking to provide their young quarterback with better protection. The team struggled at times to protect their quarterbacks in the previous season, and Banks could offer a significant upgrade at tackle.

Banks’ ability to handle speed rushers and his lateral mobility would be an asset to a team that will want to protect its franchise quarterback as he develops. With the Panthers in need of both immediate help and long-term stability on their offensive line, Banks could be an excellent addition to their unit.

3. New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have been relatively stable along their offensive line, but as their veteran players age, the need for younger, more dynamic talent becomes clear. A player like Banks could potentially step into a starting role and develop alongside other young talents on the roster. The Saints will need to consider long-term planning for their offensive line, especially with quarterback Derek Carr now leading the offense. Banks could be a cornerstone piece for the future of the Saints’ offensive line.

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are in a rebuilding phase following Tom Brady’s retirement, are another team that could greatly benefit from Kelvin Banks’ presence on their offensive line. With Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask potentially under center, the Buccaneers will need to prioritize protecting their quarterback. The team’s offensive line struggled at times in the past season, and Banks could provide immediate help while also giving them a key piece to build around for the future.

Tampa Bay has historically had a strong offensive line, but the team will need to focus on the future as it looks to rebuild after Brady’s departure. Banks could be an excellent foundation for that new chapter, and adding a dynamic young tackle would significantly improve their chances of finding sustained success.

What Does This Mean for Kelvin Banks Jr.?

For Banks, participating in a private workout with an NFC South team further solidifies his status as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL teams are clearly taking a keen interest in him, and this type of private workout is often an indication that a player is expected to be selected early in the draft.

Banks’ performance in this workout could significantly impact his draft stock. If he impresses the team with his skills and work ethic, he could find himself moving even further up draft boards. With many teams in need of high-caliber offensive linemen, it’s very likely that Banks will be one of the first tackles off the board.

From a personal perspective, this private workout is an opportunity for Banks to prove to himself and others that he has the ability to thrive at the next level. He has already established himself as one of the best college tackles in the country, but now he must demonstrate that he can handle the challenges and competition of the NFL.