Kelvin Banks Jr. maximizes possibilties for Saints offensive line
04/24/2025
By Ross Jackson
METAIRIE, La. – The New Orleans Saints’ selection of Texas offensive lineman wasn’t the sexiest pick in the book, but it sure looks like it was a necessary one.
Going all the way into Super Bowl media availability conversations with Saints head coach Kellen Moore as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, the philosophy has been the same: build from the inside out and build with the trenches.
This pick allows the Saints to do exactly that. Just like Moore’s offense was built in both Dallas with the Cowboys and in Philadelphia, so too will his new tenure begin in New Orleans.
Banks is an intriguing prospect in that the team knows that he can play tackle. He started there for three consecutive years (42 games in total), but the Saints seem just as confident about him at guard if needed. His positional versatility is likely a reason the team had him ranked so highly on their boards at No. 9.
Kellen Moore said that Kelvin Banks Jr. was right at the top of the board at No. 9. He said that the #Saints had a few players that they liked there and opted on the opportunity to build the offensive line.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) April 25, 2025
“Certainly feel like he’s got the flexibility to play on the offensive line,” Moore told reporters after night one of the draft. “As far as the tackle spots, the guard spots. And we’ve got other guys who are flexible too. We feel really good about this.”
Moore went on to highlight that they still feel good about last year’s right tackle Trevor Penning as well, whose future immediately becomes questioned with this addition.
New Orleans has options here. It could start Banks on the interior after a training camp of preparation. The team could also place him back at his previous position, left tackle, while moving last year’s first round pick back to his collegiate position at right tackle. That then raises the question of what to do with Penning, who could possibly become a candidate to move inside.
Kellen Moore confidently said Kelvin Banks “can play tackle” in the NFL, but he has position flex. Saints will use the offseason program to see who slots where.
— Luke Johnson (@ByLukeJohnson) April 25, 2025
In Moore’s offense last year, Philadelphia moved career tackle Mekhi Becton to the interior with success. The move may have changed the trajectory of Becton’s career. Perhaps the same could be in store for Penning.
As for Banks, he believes that he’ll excel in whatever role is in store for him when he arrives in the Big Easy.
“I’m going to play whatever,” Banks said in his post-draft availability. “If I’m (one of) the best five on the field and they give me the opportunity to start, and I earn that right, I’m going to play wherever they put me.”