Saints Follow Eagles’ ‘Blueprint’ With Surprising Pick
The New Orleans Saints made a surprising yet smart decision when they used the No. 9 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Leading up to the draft, many expected the Saints to address the quarterback position, with much of the buzz surrounding prospects like Tyler Warren, Mykel Williams, and Jalon Walker. However, the Saints opted to strengthen their offensive line, a move that wasn’t flashy but could prove to be a crucial one. ESPN’s Matt Bowen lauded the pick, calling it a perfect fit for New Orleans.
“Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, New Orleans Saints,” Bowen said. “Drafted: Round 1, No. 9. Why he fits: New coach Kellen Moore is following the blueprint of his Super Bowl offense in Philadelphia by focusing on strengthening the edges. Moore had elite bookends in Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata with the Eagles, and now with Banks joining 2024 first-round pick Taliese Fuaga, the Saints are building a strong foundation at offensive tackle.”
With Fuaga remaining at right tackle, Banks will slot in as the left tackle for New Orleans. Bowen highlighted Banks’ quick feet and controlled movement, which will help him match up with edge defenders. He also praised Banks for his run-blocking ability, something that will be valuable in Moore’s offense. The Saints were 29th in pass-block win rate (54.0%) and 19th in run-block win rate (71.3%) last season, signaling a clear need for upgrades in the trenches.
If the Saints want success in 2025, regardless of who’s under center, the offensive line must improve. With Banks on board, they’ve taken a crucial step toward making that happen, and his impact should be immediate.
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