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NFL Draft Grades: Grading Saints' First Round Selection Of Kelvin Banks Jr.

The Saints shockingly used their first-round pick on Kelvin Banks Jr.
Zach Pressnell|
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rushes against Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 10, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jack Sawyer (33) rushes against Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. (78) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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New Orleans Saints

With the No. 9 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.

This selection surprised a lot of people because most everybody in the NFL world expected the Saints to take a quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback, or edge rusher. But with Mason Graham off the board, Will Johnson having health concerns, and Shedeur Sanders not catching their eye, the Saints went with Banks.

With a bit of time to digest the selection, how does the pick grade out?

NFL Draft Grades: A-

There are a few things that make this a good selection for the Saints.

First of all, Banks is an elite prospect with elite abilities. Some have argued that he's the best tackle in the class. He has the ability to play either right tackle or left tackle for the Saints. Drafting a franchise tackle just inside the top 10 is a huge selection.

Secondly, the gap between Banks, the third offensive tackle off the board, and the fourth offensive tackle off the board was 20 picks. The Washington Commanders took Josh Conerly Jr. with pick No. 29. The gap between Banks and the rest of the offensive line class is quite substantial and there's no way New Orleans could have landed a prospect anywhere near his ability in the second round.

The last thing to look at is what the draft board looked like when the Saints selected. Edge rushers Mykel Williams and Jalon Walker were on the board, but neither put together incredible seasons last year. Taking Banks was taking the best player available at a position of need.

It's likely going to age well for the Saints, too.

More NFL: Saints Shock NFL World In Round 2, Shedeur Sanders' Fall Continues

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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries, reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

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