Is it Mock Draft Season? Well, no, it isn’t really, but a lot of outlets are putting out super early mock drafts. ESPN Draft guru Jordan Reid put out his first mock draft on ESPN.com. He has Miami trading up in round 1 to take one of the top offensive linemen in the 2025 draft.

Currently, Miami would pick 13th if the season ended today; he has Miami trading up two spots with Arizona to 11th to select…

 

Rd 1, Pick #11: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT/G Texas

‘Tua Tagovailoa‘s time frame to return is still unclear as he recovers from the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career, but Miami is going to have to fix the weak offensive line to better protect its quarterback. Left tackle Terron Armstead will be 34 years old next season, and Banks could be his replacement. Banks has been one of the most consistent blockers in the country. He’s yet to surrender a single pressure or sack this season (194 pass-blocking snaps), but he’s also a powerful run blocker and is among the best in this class at generating movement at the point of attack. While the Dolphins might want him at left tackle, Banks can play anywhere.’

Kelvin Banks Jr Draft Profile from NFLDraftBuzz.com

 

Draft Profile: Bio

Kelvin Banks Jr. emerged as a dominant force on the Texas Longhorns’ offensive line, earning All-America and All-Big 12 honors in his sophomore season. The Humble, Texas native made an immediate impact, starting all 27 games at left tackle over his first two years. Banks protected quarterback Quinn Ewers’ blindside while paving the way for multiple 1,000-yard rushers.

A blue-chip recruit out of Summer Creek High School, Banks was a five-star prospect and the top-ranked offensive tackle in Texas. He lived up to the hype, earning Freshman All-American honors in 2022 before elevating his game further in 2023. Banks anchored an offensive line that powered Texas to the College Football Playoff, blocking for both a Doak Walker Award semifinalist and a Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist.

Banks’ collegiate accolades are numerous, including second-team All-America honors from the AFCA, first-team All-Big 12 selection, and a spot as a Joe Moore Award semifinalist. He was instrumental in Texas’ offensive success, helping the team score 30+ points in nine straight games to start the 2023 season – the longest such streak in program history.

Scouting Report: Strengths
  • Exceptional length and mass for the position, with a squatty build that provides natural leverage advantages against edge rushers
  • Displays impressive initial quickness out of his stance, allowing him to gain depth quickly in pass protection
  • Possesses elite explosive power, evident in his ability to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage in the run game
  • Demonstrates outstanding lateral agility for his size, enabling quick recovery against counter moves
  • Anchors extremely well against power rushes, using his strong lower body to absorb and redirect force
  • Shows the ability to play with proper knee bend and maintain leverage, particularly in run-blocking situations
  • Exhibits good hand usage in pass protection, capable of shocking rushers with initial punch and maintaining control
  • Displays above-average awareness in picking up stunts and blitzes, rarely caught off guard by defensive schemes
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
  • Can struggle with foot speed in recovery situations, sometimes allowing defenders to gain the edge before he can reset
  • Occasional tendency to bend at the waist rather than the knees, leading to balance issues against savvy pass rushers
  • Hand placement in run blocking can be inconsistent, limiting his ability to sustain blocks against technically sound defenders
  • Moderate hip stiffness can hinder his ability to mirror quicker edge rushers, especially on counter moves back inside
  • Sometimes overextends when reaching for defenders, leaving him vulnerable to push-pull techniques and inside counters

Scouting Report: Summary

Banks projects as a potential day-one starter at tackle in the NFL, with the versatility to play on either side of the line. His combination of size, power, and athleticism will be coveted by teams employing gap/power run schemes. While he has shown the ability to excel in pass protection, there’s room for technical refinement to handle elite NFL edge rushers.

In zone-blocking systems, Banks’ lateral quickness and ability to climb to the second level will be valuable assets. However, teams may need to work on his consistency in reaching and sealing defenders on outside zone runs. His anchor strength and power make him an intriguing prospect for teams that emphasize a physical, downhill running game.

Banks has the tools to develop into a high-end starting tackle in the NFL. If he can improve his recovery footwork and maintain consistent pad level, he has Pro Bowl potential. His floor appears to be that of a solid starter, with the ceiling of an All-Pro caliber lineman if he continues to refine his technique and leverage the physical gifts that made him such a dominant force at the collegiate level.

Early 2025 Mock Draft has Miami Selecting SEC Players in Early Rounds

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