Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is among the more talented offensive line prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Banks Jr. is a naturally gifted pass protector and physical, powerful run blocker. He projects as a first-round player in April.
There are positional questions surrounding Banks Jr.'s pre-draft evaluation. The Longhorns standout measured in at the NFL Combine with 33.5-inch arms. It creates a possibility that some NFL teams may view Banks Jr. as a guard.
The No. 21 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, Banks Jr. ran a 5.16-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. The Humble, Texas native also leaped a 32-inch vertical and 8-foot-8 broad jump. With his evaluation nearly complete, we've identified three ideal team fits for Banks Jr. via the 2025 NFL Draft.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins plan to move on from left tackle Terron Armstead this offseason. Armstead remains under contract with the Dolphins, but that was the messaging from head coach Mike McDaniel at the NFL Combine. His departure appears inevitable. General manager Chris Grier drafted Patrick Paul in the second round last year with the thought of having him serve as the successor.
Paul struggled in limited action, allowing three sacks and 15 pressures via just 229 pass-blocking snaps as a swing tackle. Paul was also whistled for five penalties. The Dolphins should continue developing him, but drafting a backup plan like Banks Jr. wouldn't be a terrible idea. Furthermore, the Dolphins have concerns at both guard positions, with the underperforming Liam Eichenberg on the left, and oft-injured James Daniels on the right. Banks Jr. would immediately upgrade this unit.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have had the strangest offseason approach to their offensive line. It was a serious weakness last season, allowing the third-most sacks (54) in the league. Instead of securing clear upgrades, it's been difficult to comprehend general manager Nick Caserio's approach.
Caserio traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. Tunsil was one of the very few sure things the Texans had on the offensive line. They then signed Cam Robinson to a one-year contract to provide insurance at the blindside spot. The interior was Houston's true weakness, and offseason acquisitions like Ed Ingram and Laken Tomlinson aren't going to make them better. Keeping Banks Jr. in the state of Texas should be an option at No. 25 overall. He could succeed short-term solution Robinson at left tackle, or start right away inside.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks' offseason approach to their lackluster offensive line has also been curious. Needing to upgrade two positions at minimum, they've only signed swing player Josh Jones in free agency. They recently hosted three free-agent blockers on visits and watched all three sign elsewhere (Teven Jenkins, Dillon Radunz, Lucas Patrick).
The Seahawks are instead focusing on developing young in-house options who have struggled like Christian Haynes, Sataoa Laumea, Olu Oluwatimi, and Anthony Bradford. They have a franchise left tackle in Charles Cross, but could use upgrades at both guard positions. Furthermore, Abe Lucas has been an oft-injured player at right tackle who is entering a contract year.
