2 weeks Ago By Austin American-Statesman
The NFL draft is a little more than 24 hours away and Texas football is set to unleash a bevy of picks onto the league.Perhaps the first of up to a dozen or more Longhorns to be drafted will be decorated offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks Jr.
, a unanimous first-team All-American, still seems like a lock to be picked on the first day of the NFL draft, now the only question is how long will he wait.Once seen a top-10 pick, experts vary in their predictions, with some seeing Banks falling as late as the early 30s. Yes, Banks has slid down a couple draft boards — going from the unanimous pick for the first tackle to be taken in the draft, to jockeying with LSU's Will Campbell and Missouri's Armand Membou for that claim.
But if you want to hear his name called at Thursday's NFL draft, I suggest you don’t tune in too late.Banks had a 5.16-second 40-yard dash at the combine, which is a middling time for this year's class.
His 20-yard shuttle time of 4.66 seconds placed a bit higher within the tackle group. He could be the first Longhorn at his position to go in the first round since Mike Williams went with the second overall pick to Buffalo in 2002.
Banks was inserted into the lineup from the day he arrived from Humble Summer Creek. He started 39 consecutive games before an ankle injury incurred at Texas A&M on Thanksgiving weekend sidelined him for the SEC championship game loss to Georgia.This season, he became the first player in program history to win both the Outland and Lombardi awards in the same season.
Here's what to know about the standout Longhorn and how draft experts view his transition to the NFL:Kelvin Banks Jr. draft projectionsJordan Reid, ESPN: No. 11 to the San Francisco 49ersField Yates, ESPN: No.
11 to the 49ersMatt Miller, ESPN: No. 23 to the Green Bay PackersVinnie Iyer, Sporting News: No. 10 to the Chicago BearsJeff Risdon, Draft Wire: No.
31 to the Kansas City ChiefsDane Brugler, The Athletic: No. 27 to the Baltimore RavensJason McIntyre, Fox Sports: No. 10 to the Bears Pro Football Network: No.
13 to the Miami DolphinsTankathon: No. 11 to the 49ersPro Football Focus: No. 17 to the Cincinnati BengalsRyan Wilson, CBS: No.
9 to the New Orleans SaintsChris Trapasso, CBS: No. 18 to the SeahawksMike Renner, CBS: No. 13 to the Miami Dolphins Josh Edwards, CBS: No.
13 to the Dolphins MORE CEDDY: Andrew Mukuba, Texas football's enforcer, relishes Clemson reunion | GoldenKelvin Banks Jr. bioPosition: Offensive left tackle Age: 21Hometown: HumbleHeight: 6-foot-4Weight: 325 poundsMORE BANKS: Why Texas football star LT Kelvin Banks Jr. should 'drive the Lambo' MORE DRAFT: NFL scouting report for Texas A&M DE Nic ScourtonKelvin Banks Jr.
positional rankingsLongtime ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. had rated Banks the No. 10 prospect overall, regardless of position, and top tackle on his big board.
But Banks has since slid down a bit. He's still seen as a consensus top-three offensive tackle in the draft.Here's where various scouting analysts and services rank Banks:Kiper: No.
13 prospect overall, No. 3 OT Jordan Reid, ESPN: No. 20 overall, No.
3 OTMatt Miller, ESPN: No. 8 overall, No. 1 OTField Yates, ESPN: No.
13 overall, No. 2 OTVinnie Iyer, Sporting News: No. 10 overall, No.
3 OTDaniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: No. 27 overall, No. 3 OTDane Brugler, The Athletic: No.
15 overall, No. 2 WRPFF: No. 22 prospect overall, No.
4 OTCBS: No. 9 prospect overall, No. 3 OTKelvin Banks Jr.
draft profileBanks did not complete all pre-draft workouts and drills.Arm length: 331⁄2 inchesHand Size: 103⁄8 inches40-yard dash: 5.16 seconds20-yard shuttle: 4.
66 seconds10-yard split: 1.79 secondsThree-cone drill: 7.81 secondsBroad jump: 8 feet, 8 inchesVertical: 32 inchesBench press: N/ANotes: Lombardi Award winner in 2024.
.. allowed just three sacks through his first 37 games.
.. Tabbed as an All-American by several different outlets.
.. Was a consensus top-10 tackle prospect in the nation coming out of high school.
.. Blocked for NFL running backs such as Jonathon Brooks and Bijan Robinson.
Kelvin Banks Jr. scouting reportStrengths: Great athleticism, particularly lateral movement in pass protection. Exceptional range as a blocker translates well to a zone scheme.
Good hand usage allows him to win one-on-one matchups. Fluid mover who reacts well to counter moves.Weaknesses: Balance in run blocking.
Sometimes overextends at the point of contact. Struggles to maintain his base in pass protection by turning his shoulders. Needs to improve upper body strength.
What Cedric Golden noticed: Banks can go a whole game without getting mentioned because he is so consistent at stoning opposing defensive ends. His athleticism leaps off the screen. Scouts are even more excited because he carries a frame that will occupy more muscle as he matures.
Banks is a nice guy, but there’s a dog behind that megawatt smile. He takes it personally when someone in an opposing uniform touches his quarterback. He understands the job and his own toughest critic.
That will serve him well at the next level.NFL player comps: Austin Jackson, Miami DolphinsKelvin Banks Jr. stats by season2022: 13 games2023: 14 games, 985 snaps (550 pass-block snaps), 1 sack allowed, 10 QB hurries allowed (per Pro Football Focus)2024: 15 games, 935 snaps (537 pass-block snaps), 1 sack allowed, 7 QB hurries allowed Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more.
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scouting report: Where OT lands in NFL mock drafts.
