Categories: More

Saints select Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with their first-round pick at 9th overall

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — The New Orleans Saints selected Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick in the NFL draft Thursday night.

Banks arrives one day after general manager Mickey Loomis said the Saints would not be picking up a fifth-year option on right tackle Trevor Penning, a 2022 late first-rounder who now enters his final season under contract.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Banks, who won the 2024 Outland Trophy as the top lineman in college football, will be expected to compete with Penning for a starting role.

This is the second year in a row the Saints have used their first-round choice on an offensive tackle after taking Taliese Fuaga, who started at left tackle as a rookie last season.

The Saints also entered the draft with one second-round selection (40th overall), two in the third round (71st and 93rd), two in the fourth (112th and 131st), one in the sixth and two in the seventh.

They’re hoping to draft some instant contributors as they try to bounce back from a 5-12 record, their worst since going 3-13 in 2005.

New Orleans is also trying to end a four-year playoff drought that began after the retirement of record-setting quarterback Drew Brees.

rssfeeds-admin

Recent Posts

Staffing levels up in Concord’s fire and police departments, with calls for further investments

Concord’s police and fire departments are reporting a strong recovery in their ability to attract…

6 minutes ago

Blast Blade Brings a New Dimension to Platform Fighters

Blast Blade from Silent Bark games is a 3D platform fighter that puts you behind…

4 hours ago

Stateline community prepares for another wave of potential storms

Community members are stocking up on essential supplies as Stateline residents are preparing for another…

4 hours ago

Stateline residents support Friends of Boone County CASA at bingo fundraiser

Stateline residents recently gathered at 5 Brines Brewery for a bingo event to support Friends…

4 hours ago

Behind-the-Scenes Look at Phantom Regiment’s April Camp in Rockford

The Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps hosted its April Camp at Auburn High School…

4 hours ago

State REP. Vella hosts paint recycling event in Rockford

State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, announced a free community paint recycling event in Rockford, Ill.,…

4 hours ago

This website uses cookies.