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Kelvin Banks Jr.'s latest training camp highlight shows why Saints were smart to pick him in first round of 2025 NFL draft

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 4:42 PM ET

The 2025 NFL Draft is an important one for the New Orleans Saints. They took a risk on quarterback Tyler Shough in round two, hoping he can be a long-term answer at the position. In the first round, though, they selected Texas Longhorns offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. to bolster protection up front.

The selection of Banks has flown a bit under the radar due to the other offseason news surrounding New Orleans, but his future could be paramount for their offense's success for years to come. He is already showing his potential during training camp.

Kelvin Banks Jr. dominates camp rep

During practice on Monday, the rookie tackle had a strong day, including a great rep that has received a lot of social media attention from Saints fans.

Kelvin Banks 1 on 1 pic.twitter.com/3MKN1MHnrj
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) July 28, 2025

The young offensive tackle was regarded as one of the best in this year's draft class. Clearly, the Saints agreed with that premise since they took him early in round one over some other (possibly flashier) options.

Banks was compared to Atlanta Falcons OT Jake Matthews, who was a Pro Bowler in 2018, by A to Z's own AJ Schulte. Matthews has had a consistent career in ATL.

Banks is a fun watch for those of us who enjoy studying offensive line play. His mixture of athleticism, intelligence, and savviness blend well together in his 6'4, 324-pound frame. While there may be concerns about his length and play strength, there's no denying Banks has some of the best film of any lineman in this 2025 NFL Draft class.

Jake Matthews (Atlanta Falcons)

People often forget about Matthews in the conversation for the top offensive tackles in the NFL, but he belongs in the top tiers every season. Matthews, much like Banks, doesn't boast good length and play strength, but he makes up for it with smooth athleticism and great technique. Banks's craftiness immediately drew Matthews to mind. Let's not forget he was drafted sixth overall in 2014. -- AJ Schulte

We will see if Banks lives up to that sort of career in New Orleans. Regardless, back to back first-round picks on the offensive line should bolster that unit for quite some time. Kellen Moore's offense relies on strong offensive line play, so we know he will continue to value talent and effort at those spots.