Saints rookie raised eyebrows with his NFL prep this offseason

New Orleans Saints rookie offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. is known as a monster on the field, but what people don’t see is his preparation off the field.

Banks was relentless in the offseason, putting immense time into improving not only physically, but also mentally. He trained with Augustine Ume-Ezeoke, the founder of AUE Performance, this offseason to help prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft and the increased level of competition.

Recently, RG.org's Landon Buford interviewed Ume-Ezeoke about his experience with the Saints' first-round pick.

We already know Banks is talented, but his work ethic is what really separates him from the competition. He was in the lab every day, ready to improve with Ume-Ezeoke. His offseason improvements are a major reason why he was such a high draft pick.

“Before we had a lot of solid guys, he was always the one who came in every day, ready to work. Whatever plan we put together to give him the best chance at being a first-round draft pick, he executed it. The results speak for themselves—he was drafted in the first round. All the hard work he put in over those three to four months really paid off.”

Mental preperation of New Orleans Saints rookie Kelvin Banks Jr. has him ready for the 2025 season

Banks imposes his will both physically and mentally. He put in long hours watching film, trying to analyze what he could improve on and better his technique.

He didn’t want to just know what he did wrong; he wanted to know why and how to fix it. When Ume-Ezeoke was asked what an average fan doesn’t see about Banks' preparation and work ethic, this is what he had to say:

“His attention to detail. Kelvin will stay after a full session just to review foot angles or re-watch a drill on video. He doesn’t chase highlight reps—he wants to understand the why behind each technique. That humility and drive to master the craft is what truly sets him apart.”

Banks is the full package from a prospect. He has a drive to get better, paired with elite physical skills. Banks is a projected Week 1 starter for New Orleans, but that’s not all he’s thinking about. For Banks, he’s planning how he can dominate the NFL for years to come.

“Kelvin combines elite physical traits with emotional intelligence, work ethic, and humility. He listens, learns, and applies faster than most veterans. He’s not just trying to play in the NFL but build a blueprint to dominate it.”

Banks has all of the physical talent, but his work ethic is what will help him have a long career in the NFL. He puts long hours into not just improving his body, but also his technique. The Saints found a gem in Banks, who should be their starter for years to come.