Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft is Kelvin Banks Jr.

Declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft: Kelvin Banks Jr. of the Texas Longhorns

Kelvin Banks Jr., one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in college football, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. After a stellar career with the Texas Longhorns, Banks’ decision marks the end of his college journey, one that has been defined by excellence, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His departure leaves a significant void in Texas’ offensive line but also opens the door to an exciting new chapter in his professional career.

Over the past three years, Banks has become one of the premier left tackles in the country, garnering attention for his elite combination of size, agility, and football IQ. As he prepares to take the next step and enter the NFL, both Texas fans and professional scouts are eager to see where he’ll land and how he will translate his college success to the next level.

This article will delve into Banks’ remarkable career at Texas, analyze his NFL prospects, and explore the impact of his departure on the Longhorns program.

Kelvin Banks Jr.: A Rising Star at Texas

Banks, a native of Humble, Texas, was a highly sought-after recruit coming out of high school, and it didn’t take long for him to make a significant impact in Austin. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound offensive lineman was ranked as a five-star prospect and was widely regarded as one of the top offensive tackle recruits in the country.

Recruitment and Immediate Impact: Banks committed to Texas in the 2022 recruiting class, a year after Steve Sarkisian took over as the head coach. From the moment he stepped onto the campus, it was clear that Banks had the physical tools to be an elite player. As a true freshman in 2022, he immediately earned a starting spot on the offensive line, showcasing his incredible strength, balance, and technique from the outset.

Banks’ seamless transition to college football was impressive. He started at left tackle in all 12 of Texas’ games during his freshman season, displaying a maturity and polish that belied his age. His presence on the line was a stabilizing force for the Longhorns, who were rebuilding under Sarkisian and looking for leadership up front. While Texas faced growing pains in 2022, Banks’ play was one of the few constants, and he earned numerous accolades, including Freshman All-American honors.

Sophomore and Junior Seasons: Perfecting His Craft As a sophomore in 2023, Banks continued to develop and refine his game. By this point, he had become the unquestioned anchor of the Texas offensive line, protecting the blind side of quarterback Quinn Ewers and helping open up lanes for the Longhorns’ potent rushing attack. Texas made significant strides as a program during this time, and Banks was a key part of that success.

In 2023, Banks played a major role in Texas’ resurgence, helping the team make a run to the Big 12 Championship game and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff. His pass protection was among the best in the conference, and his ability to neutralize some of the top pass rushers in the country earned him recognition as one of the top offensive tackles in the nation. He received All-Big 12 honors and was named a Preseason All-American heading into his junior year, solidifying his status as a future first-round NFL draft pick.

2024: Dominance and Consistency As a junior in 2024, Banks was widely regarded as one of the top offensive linemen in all of college football. His play in the trenches was a key reason why Texas remained in the playoff hunt throughout the season, and he consistently dominated opponents with his rare combination of size, agility, and technique. He became one of the most feared left tackles in the country, often receiving double teams and facing the top pass rushers from opposing teams.

Banks’ durability and consistency were evident throughout the season, and by the time he declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, he had established himself as one of the most pro-ready prospects in the country. His combination of athleticism and physicality made him a perfect fit for the NFL, and scouts were constantly lauding his ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes.

Why Kelvin Banks Jr. Is Ready for the NFL

Kelvin Banks Jr. has checked every box as he prepares for the NFL Draft. His decision to declare is not a surprise given his level of play and the demand for elite offensive tackles in the league. Here’s why Banks is ready to make the leap:

1. Exceptional Physical Traits Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 325 pounds, Banks possesses the ideal size for an NFL left tackle. His combination of length, strength, and agility allows him to match up against some of the most powerful pass rushers in the country, and it’s a major reason why he’s considered one of the top offensive line prospects in recent years. His movement skills—ability to move in space, slide his feet, and protect the edge—are NFL-ready.

2. Elite Pass Protection One of Banks’ standout qualities is his pass protection. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are the centerpiece of offenses, teams are looking for blindside protectors who can neutralize opposing pass rushers and provide a clean pocket. Banks has shown the ability to do just that. Over his career at Texas, he faced off against some of the best pass rushers in the country, and he more often than not came out on top. His footwork, hand placement, and ability to mirror defenders make him an elite protector at the tackle position.

3. Run Blocking and Physicality In addition to his pass protection, Banks is a dominant run blocker. His strength and ability to move defenders off the ball were integral to Texas’ success in the running game. Whether in zone schemes or power runs, Banks could consistently create lanes for running backs and clear paths for quarterbacks on designed runs. This ability to be a force in both the pass and run game makes him a highly valuable asset for any NFL team.

4. Football IQ and Consistency Another key factor in Banks’ readiness for the NFL is his football IQ. Throughout his time at Texas, Banks displayed an advanced understanding of the game for a player of his age. He excelled at making adjustments during the course of games, reading defensive schemes, and identifying stunts or blitzes. His mental sharpness, combined with his technical proficiency, ensures that he will be able to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL right away.

5. Leadership and Maturity Off the field, Banks has proven to be a leader for the Texas football program. His work ethic, focus, and willingness to mentor younger players on the offensive line have been noted by coaches and teammates alike. Leadership from an offensive lineman is invaluable, and Banks’ maturity and approach to the game make him someone who will thrive at the next level.

What Banks’ Departure Means for Texas Football

While Banks’ decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a major step in his career, it also signals a significant change for the Texas Longhorns as they look to replace one of their most dominant players. Offensive line play is critical to any successful football program, and Banks was the cornerstone of the Longhorns’ offensive front. His departure leaves a void that will require strong recruiting and development efforts.

1. Rebuilding the Offensive Line With Banks gone, the Texas offensive line must now look to replace its anchor. There are several talented players on the roster who will have the opportunity to step up, but they will have big shoes to fill. Players like Cole Hutson and Olu Fashanu will likely be called upon to take over key positions on the line. However, the experience and leadership that Banks brought to the unit will be hard to replicate. Texas’ offensive line depth will be put to the test in 2025, and new faces will need to emerge to maintain the level of play Texas has become accustomed to.

2. Focus on Recruiting As Texas enters the 2025 season with Banks off to the NFL, recruiting will take on even more importance. Sarkisian has already made significant strides in recruiting top-tier talent, and it will be essential to continue building the depth of the offensive line to remain competitive in the Big 12 and beyond. The Longhorns’ recruiting efforts will focus on adding talented offensive linemen to ensure that the program can continue to compete at the highest level.

Kelvin Banks Jr.’s NFL Prospects and Future

As Kelvin Banks prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft, he enters the process as one of the most highly sought-after prospects at his position. His physical traits, combined with his technical ability and experience in big games, make him a likely first-round pick in the draft. In a league that is constantly in need of elite offensive linemen, Banks is poised to be one of the top selections in the upcoming draft.

Several NFL teams with a need at left tackle will be keeping a close eye on Banks, including franchises that are rebuilding and in need of a franchise-caliber blocker. Banks’ ability to step in and make an immediate impact will be one of the key factors that influence his draft stock.