The New Orleans Saints aim to demonstrate their potential in the upcoming 2026 season. After several challenging years, significant changes hint at a promising future for the team. One player to keep a close eye on is Kelvin Banks Jr., a breakout star who could play a pivotal role in their success.

Zachary Pereles from CBS Sports identifies Kelvin Banks Jr. as his top under-the-radar breakout player for 2026. According to Pereles, the offseason and preseason offer numerous chances for players to emerge from relative obscurity to become key contributors.

“The offseason and preseason do provide plenty of opportunities for individuals to make their jumps from relative unknowns — at least to casual fans — to standouts,” he notes.

For the New Orleans Saints, Banks fits that description. As a rookie left tackle in 2025, he anchored his position impressively throughout the season. He was the ninth overall pick, but intriguingly, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 27th best tackle, outperforming seasoned players like Dion Dawkins and Ronnie Stanley. Banks also compared favorably to Will Campbell, who was chosen five spots before him in the draft.

Rookies rarely make an immediate impact like Banks. His improvement throughout the season is notable. Fans are eager to see his performance in 2026 with Tyler Shough as the quarterback. While Shough has much to prove, Banks’s skills could be a significant asset to his game.