Right tackle or left guard?
Left guard or right tackle?
That seems to be the consensus two positions in play for the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by most pundits when on the clock at pick No. 25.
Overall, the ideal option would be to target a prospect who can thrive in both roles from the start. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has Houston doing just that with the addition of Texas All-American offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.
” The Texans simply need more offensive line talent up front to better protect C.J. Stroud,” Trappasso wrote. “Kelvin Banks Jr. had a fantastic season in pass protection for the Longhorns.”
Banks has been a staple of the Longhorns’ run to the postseason in back-to-back years. A three-year starter and Houston native, the 6-foot-6 tackle allowed four sacks, four QB hits and 26 hurries in over 2,400 snaps played.
While the Texans would love Banks’ upside in pass protection, his run blocking could be a selling point. Houston has Pro Bowler Joe Mixon locked up for three seasons and plans to make him the focal runner of the offense.
Banks thrived in run blocking as the lead outside leverage man while protecting future NFL running backs Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks. Per Pro Football Focus metrics, he posted an 81.0 career run-blocking grade while in Austin.
Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. (#78) was the reason for this TD. Climbs to the second level so easily and swallows the LB to spring this for six. One of the best players in the 2025 NFL Draft for a reason. pic.twitter.com/I37NTx9qWs
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) December 22, 2024
Banks would instantly upgrade on paper Texans’ pass blocking from mediocre to at least average entering 2025. Some view Banks to be better suited at guard, so Houston could have a competition on where players line up on the right side next fall.
Houston, which fell short in a 24-13 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, allowed eight sacks against C.J. Stroud. Something must change on the offensive line if the team plans on taking the next step forward.
Losing to Kansas City might not be too bad should Buffalo secure a win while the Texans land Banks as a consolation prize.
