Kelvin Banks of the Texas Longhorns Selects a Known Team in the New Mock Draft
The world of college football is always abuzz with speculation, particularly when it comes to NFL draft prospects. Every year, top athletes at elite programs across the country are analyzed, scouted, and often projected to land on NFL rosters that could help reshape the future of their franchises. One player who has garnered significant attention in recent years is Kelvin Banks, the star offensive tackle for the Texas Longhorns.
Banks, a 6-foot-4, 320-pound powerhouse, has quickly emerged as one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. His physical prowess, combined with his technique and football IQ, has made him a key figure in the college football landscape. As a freshman, Banks’ immediate impact for Texas was undeniable, and his growth has been a major point of focus for Longhorns fans and NFL scouts alike.
In the 2025 NFL Draft projections, Banks has already been linked to a known team in mock drafts, with experts identifying him as a key piece for a franchise that could greatly benefit from his skill set. The mock draft projections offer a fascinating glimpse into the potential future of this highly touted offensive lineman and the team that could add him to their roster.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Kelvin Banks’ journey as a player, why he’s seen as one of the most promising offensive linemen in the country, and why he is a likely target for a major NFL team in the upcoming draft. Additionally, we’ll explore the team that is reportedly interested in selecting him, what that could mean for both Banks and the franchise, and how he could impact their offensive line for years to come.
Kelvin Banks: The Making of a Star
Early Life and High School Career
Kelvin Banks’ path to stardom began in Houston, Texas, where he attended Summer Creek High School. A highly sought-after recruit, Banks was one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation coming out of high school. His blend of size, strength, and agility made him a dominant force on the field, and his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes was evident from an early age.
Banks’ success in high school was built on his relentless work ethic and his natural ability to protect the pocket. His impressive performance earned him a spot in the 2022 Under Armour All-American Game, an event that highlighted some of the nation’s best high school talent. Throughout his high school career, Banks refined his technique, eventually becoming one of the most highly ranked offensive linemen in the country.
Commitment to Texas
In 2022, Banks made one of the most important decisions of his young career: he committed to the University of Texas, choosing the Longhorns over other top-tier programs such as Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Texas had a rich football tradition and a reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent, making it an ideal destination for a player of Banks’ caliber.
For Texas, landing Banks was a massive coup. Offensive line play had been an area of focus for the Longhorns, and Banks’ commitment signaled that head coach Steve Sarkisian was serious about building a dominant, balanced football team. Texas, long known for producing NFL-level talent on both sides of the ball, viewed Banks as a cornerstone for their future.
Freshman Year at Texas: A Stellar Start
From the moment Banks arrived in Austin, he made an immediate impact. Starting from day one, he showed that he was ready to compete at the highest level of college football. Banks quickly earned a starting role at left tackle, a critical position on the offensive line that protects the quarterback’s blind side.
In his freshman season, Banks displayed excellent technique, physicality, and maturity beyond his years. His blocking ability, both in pass protection and in the running game, helped transform Texas’ offensive line into one of the most formidable in the Big 12. Whether it was keeping opposing pass rushers at bay or paving the way for Texas’ running backs, Banks was a consistent and dominant presence on the field.
His performance as a freshman earned him numerous accolades and recognition as one of the best young offensive linemen in college football. By the end of the season, he had become a foundational piece of the Texas offense, drawing attention from NFL scouts who were already projecting him as a top draft pick in the near future.
Banks’ NFL Potential: A Complete Package
Kelvin Banks’ physical attributes alone make him an enticing prospect for NFL teams. At 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, he has the size and strength necessary to dominate at the next level. However, it’s his combination of traits that truly set him apart from other offensive linemen.
1. Power and Strength
Banks is a powerful player who excels in both run-blocking and pass protection. His strength allows him to move defenders off the ball, creating gaping holes in the running game. Whether he’s driving defenders down the field or anchoring against powerful pass rushers, Banks’ strength is one of his most important assets. His ability to generate power and sustain blocks for extended periods of time makes him a formidable opponent for even the best pass rushers in college football.
2. Quick Feet and Agility
What sets Banks apart from many other linemen of his size is his agility. Despite his massive frame, he possesses surprisingly quick feet and excellent lateral movement. This agility allows him to adjust quickly in pass protection and keep defenders from getting around him. His quickness is especially beneficial in the NFL, where pass rushers are faster and more dynamic. This mobility is a key reason why scouts believe Banks could thrive at left tackle in the pros, where mobility is crucial to keep edge rushers at bay.
3. Football IQ and Technique
Banks’ football IQ is another trait that sets him apart. He reads defenses well and understands the nuances of both run-blocking and pass protection. His hand placement, footwork, and balance are all highly refined, making him a technically sound offensive lineman. This maturity and understanding of the game are critical for a player making the transition from college to the NFL, where the competition is exponentially more difficult.
Banks’ discipline and consistency in his technique make him a potential day-one starter in the NFL. Scouts are particularly impressed with his ability to read defenses and adjust his play accordingly, a trait that could help him thrive in the fast-paced, high-pressure world of professional football.
The Latest Mock Draft: A Known Team Seeks to Add Banks
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, projections are already beginning to shape up regarding which teams will be targeting key prospects. One of the most significant storylines of this upcoming draft is the intense competition for top-tier offensive linemen. The need for skilled offensive tackles is always high in the NFL, and with quarterbacks and offensive weapons continually evolving, protecting the passer is more important than ever.
Kelvin Banks, thanks to his exceptional blend of size, athleticism, and technique, has consistently appeared in the first round of mock drafts. In the latest 2025 mock draft projections, one team is particularly keen on adding Banks to their roster: the Cleveland Browns.
Why the Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns have long struggled with consistency along their offensive line, which has hurt their ability to sustain a high-powered offense. While the team has made strides in recent seasons, particularly with the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, their offensive line play remains one of their most significant weaknesses. Adding a top-tier talent like Kelvin Banks would help solidify the left tackle position and provide immediate support to Watson, who will need strong protection in order to return to his previous form.
In recent years, Cleveland has invested in rebuilding their offensive line, and drafting Banks would be the final piece to completing their unit. A line that includes an elite tackle like Banks would not only help in protecting Watson but also create a dominant running game. With running backs like Nick Chubb, the Browns’ offensive line would benefit greatly from Banks’ ability to open holes in the running game and protect the quarterback.
What Banks Brings to Cleveland
If Banks were to land in Cleveland, he would immediately be expected to be a cornerstone of the offensive line. He would bring the kind of physicality and skill set that the Browns need to compete in an increasingly competitive AFC North division. Pairing Banks with established offensive linemen like Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio would create a line that could dominate in both the run game and pass protection.
Moreover, Banks’ ability to protect the quarterback’s blind side would provide Watson with the security he needs to operate in the pocket. This is particularly important considering Watson’s style of play, which often involves extending plays and making throws on the move. Banks’ elite pass protection skills would help ensure that Watson has the time and space to execute his vision and lead the Browns’ offense to greater heights.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Kelvin Banks?
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Kelvin Banks’ future continues to shine brightly. He has the potential to be a top-five pick, and many experts believe that his unique combination of skills and physical traits will translate seamlessly to the NFL. For now, Banks remains focused on his development at Texas, where he will look to build on his impressive freshman campaign and prepare for what’s next.
As for the Cleveland Browns, they are just one of many teams that could benefit from Banks’ services. Should they select him in the 2025 draft, the addition of a player of Banks’ caliber would immediately elevate their offensive line and put them in a better position to make a deep playoff run.
Whether he lands with the Browns or another franchise, there’s no doubt that Kelvin Banks is one of the most exciting young prospects in college football today—and his future in the NFL looks incredibly promising.
