Kelvin Banks Jr. — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 2.0

PROJECTED TRADE WITH MIAMI DOLPHINS

The Cardinals ensure they beat the Colts to a premier offensive line prospect, moving up three slots in Round 1 by swapping their third-round pick for Miami's late fourth-round selection. Arizona traded up for a versatile lineman in Paris Johnson Jr. two years ago, and Banks could play inside or outside as a rookie. (He could also move to tackle in 2026 if Jonah Williams departs as a free agent.)

I know people who have Kelvin Banks Jr. as their top OT in the class, and I know some who wouldn't take him in the first round. I'm much closer to the former camp than the latter, and while Minnesota's done some work to address the interior of their OL, I don't think upgrading at tackle too would be a mistake.

When you don't have many needs, take a lineman. Banks could immediately compete for a starting spot at right guard and eventually kick out to left tackle later in his career. This offense is built on elite line play, might as well keep the pipeline going.

Trade: Vikings trade No. 24 to Eagles for No. 32, a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick.

The Eagles and Bills called for the No. 24 pick. Rather than settling for a 2025 fourth-rounder from Buffalo, Minnesota opted to take the long-term view. Philadelphia was willing to trade its glut of picks (No. 32, a 2025 fifth-rounder and a 2026 third-rounder). If it were possible to trade back again in this mock draft, the Vikings would have considered that as well. For now, Banks, whom The Athletic's Brugler ranked as the No. 22 player in his top 100 prospects big board, made sense. Banks could vie for the Vikings' open left guard spot. He also has tackle potential, which might be necessary depending on the health of the position in the next couple of seasons. Both left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O'Neill have navigated serious injuries in recent years. — Alec Lewis

Previously, I had mocked Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka to the Texans, but with the departure of Laremy Tunsil, it feels like the offensive line has moved to the top of the priority list.

With Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling replacing Geno Smith, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett over the past two weeks, perhaps no team has undergone a greater transition in its passing game than the Seahawks. The same old issues persist up front, however. Banks was money at left tackle for the Longhorns, but his burly frame and game project better inside at left guard.

The Dolphins get a plus pass protector in Banks who can play guard if needed.

This is an interesting pick because the Bears are close to having a pretty solid roster. They don't have a ton of needs, but they've got a ton of picks. Bolstering the offensive line is important and doing that will allow them to properly evaluate quarterback Caleb Williams. They've already got DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Now, protect your QB. You can play Banks at left tackle, Darnell Wright at right tackle and the three veterans they picked up in the interior. Chicago should be a lot better soon.

This could easily be Oregon's Josh Conerly, who is right behind Banks on my offensive tackle rankings and a potential first-rounder. Honestly, either player would be a good pick. The Chiefs' pass protection issues were on full display during the Super Bowl, and signing Jaylon Moore -- a backup in San Francisco before getting a two-year deal with the Chiefs -- is no guarantee to solve anything. Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia and D.J. Humphries weren't the answers, and Joe Thuney -- who was a stopgap fix in moving outside from guard -- is now in Chicago.

Banks has the traits to help fortify Patrick Mahomes' protection. Perhaps Banks wins the left tackle job over Moore. Maybe he replaces Jawaan Taylor on the right side. And maybe he even kicks inside to Thuney's vacated guard spot. Regardless of where he plays, Banks' experience (42 college starts), quickness and power would be welcomed in Kansas City.

Call it overkill if you want, but the Lions got to the top of the NFC under Ben Johnson by continually investing in their offensive line. Kelvin Banks Jr. has three years of starting experience under his belt and can step in right away.

Arizona's offensive line group has uncertainty long-term at right tackle and offers some flexibility on the offensive interior despite re-signing Evan Brown.

One thing's for certain: the group needs to be more complete. Banks Jr. offers some flexibility in outcomes and brings a lot of added push to the starting five.