As the rookie minicamp season kicks off, NFL teams are rapidly signing their newly drafted players. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the rookie-scale contract system, which has significantly reduced the tension typically surrounding the signings of first-round picks. Recently, the New Orleans Saints made headlines by securing their top draft choice, Kelvin Banks Jr., who was selected ninth overall.
Banks signed a fully guaranteed rookie contract worth $27.7 million on Friday. His anticipated role is to step in as a starter, contributing to the Saints’ offensive line, which has seen a strategy shift towards investing heavily in tackle positions in recent drafts. The Saints have previously chosen first-round tackles, including Taliese Fuaga in 2024, and Banks is now the third tackle selected in this draft.
Despite some projections that placed Banks lower than certain peers, he gained notable respect in league circles, leading to the Saints selecting him. He was seen as a strong candidate for the Raiders and Jets, with the former poised to draft him had other prospects fallen.
As a college standout at Texas, Banks played three years as a left tackle and earned first-team All-American honors, making his transition to the NFL noteworthy. This development poses intriguing possibilities for the Saints’ offensive line, especially considering the recent moves involving Fuaga.
Banks’ selection marks the highest a lineman has been picked by the Saints since Kyle Turley at seventh overall in 1998. Under general manager Mickey Loomis, the Saints have prioritized offensive linemen in the first round, drafting six since 2015. Currently, four of those linemen are on the 2025 roster, which includes right guard Cesar Ruiz.
Additionally, the Saints have secured contracts for other rookies: linebacker Danny Stutsman, cornerback Quincy Riley, running back Devin Neal, tight end Moliki Matavao, and defensive end Fadil Diggs, with only three players from this year’s class still awaiting their deals.
This proactive approach in signing newcomers not only enhances team dynamics but also prepares the Saints for future competitions, laying a solid foundation for their offensive strategy as they navigate the upcoming season.