Some questioned the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 plan at left tackle.
After starting four different players at the position in 2024, Kansas City inked Jaylon Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract this offseason. Moore spent four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in 55 games and making 12 starts — including five in 2024 for an injury-depleted 49ers unit.
Is Moore the solution to Mahomes’ blindside?
He might be. But the Chiefs also might not be done adding to the position — at least that’s the idea behind Mike Band of NFL.com’s latest draft projection.
On Monday, Band predicted a blockbuster trade between the Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings, one that gives Kansas City the No. 24 overall pick, which they would use to draft Texas left tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
“The Chiefs jump ahead of Houston, another team in need of offensive line help, and solidify their offensive front with Banks,” Band wrote.
Banks is a long-term answer
Banks — a junior — earned first-team All-American honors and was a finalist for both the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy in 2024. He started three seasons at left tackle for Texas, anchoring one of the top offenses in college football.
At 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, he boasts excellent footwork, strong hands, and the mobility to handle NFL edge rushers.
Mahomes needs the protection
Patrick Mahomes turns 30 this season, and while he remains in his prime, the Chiefs know his long-term success depends on protection.
A trade-up for Banks wouldn’t come cheap — Band suggested Kansas City would need to give up the No. 32 pick and a Day 2 selection — but if Banks becomes Mahomes’ blindside anchor for the next decade, it’s worth the investment.
