New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots will pick between two offensive tackle prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft: LSU’s Will Campbell and Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr.
Right?
Wrong.
New England filled the majority of its needs throughout free agency, with Stefon Diggs recently joining a loaded class of veterans who are expected to make an immediate impact — like Milton Williams, Harold Landry and Carlton Davis. It’s only a matter of time before the Patriots add that blindside protector, but recently, we’ve seen a change in the talent pool from which they’ll be making their decisions.
Campbell was once viewed as the clear-cut top tackle prospect in this class, but his short arms have produced questions about whether or not he should be in consideration at No. 4. Banks was the other prospect people often measured him against, but for some reason, which we’ll soon explore, it now seems like there’s zero chance he ends up at One Patriot Place.
Banks had a rough ending to his collegiate career, shuffling in and out of the lineup due to an ankle injury that lingered even after his return in the College Football Playoff.
Texas kept him at left tackle throughout, but decreased mobility started to make people wonder if that’s where he would eventually settle at the next level. ESPN’s Mel Kiper still likes him at his natural position, while NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler seem to think he’ll be sliding inside.
Yes, he’s another tackle that might have to play guard.
Banks had a good day at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Height: 6-foot-5
Weight: 315lbs
Hand: 10 3/8″
Arm: 33 1/2″
40-Yard Dash: 5.16 seconds
Vertical Jump: 32″ Broad Jump: 8′ 8″
3-Cone Drill: 7.81
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.66 seconds
Banks has always been a good athlete, showcasing some tremendous promise as early as the second collegiate game he ever played against Alabama in 2022. He’s best-suited in a run-heavy system, where he can be aggressive and settle into a rhythm consistently.
The Longhorns relied on his athleticism to make all their gadget plays work, getting him out in space and watching him bury defensive backs regularly. Banks’ feet are super important to his game, as he’s able to mirror opposing defenders and stun them with his punches.
It’s classic offensive line stuff, really.
We wouldn’t dare say a future professional athlete has skinny arms and legs, but he kind of has skinny arms and legs.
OK, he definitely has skinny arms and legs.
Banks has room to fill out, but what happens when he does put on weight? Will that have adverse effects on his athleticism? Will he improve with hand placement and depth in his set? Can anyone answer these questions before they spend a premium pick on him?
Yes, but probably only in specific systems.
San Francisco would love to have an athletic tackle, as would...
