NFL mock draft roundup: Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. of Texas football are paired by the Bears.

The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, with several high-profile players ready to make their transition to the next level. Among them, two names have stood out as potential game-changers for their respective teams: Caleb Williams, the dynamic quarterback from USC, and Kelvin Banks Jr., the stellar offensive tackle from Texas. Both players have been consistently ranked among the top prospects for the upcoming draft, and their pairing in a mock draft by the Chicago Bears has sparked significant interest in the NFL community.

In this analysis, we’ll break down why the Chicago Bears, a team in desperate need of improvement on both sides of the ball, might target Williams and Banks with their first-round picks in the 2025 draft. The pairing of these two players could completely reshape the Bears’ offense, providing the team with a franchise quarterback and a future cornerstone on the offensive line—two positions that have long been weaknesses for the franchise. Let’s delve into how this pairing would work, what it means for the Bears’ future, and what each of these prospects brings to the table.

Caleb Williams: The Next NFL Superstar at Quarterback

Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, has firmly established himself as the top quarterback prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. Coming off an outstanding season at USC, where he displayed incredible poise, accuracy, and athleticism, Williams has all the tools needed to become a franchise quarterback at the next level.

At 6’1″, Williams might not have the prototypical height that scouts often look for in an NFL quarterback, but he more than makes up for it with his elite arm talent, mobility, and football IQ. Williams is a master of improvisation, able to extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws on the run. His ability to read defenses and deliver accurate passes in tight windows is second to none, and he consistently demonstrates an advanced understanding of the game that belies his age.

In 2024, Williams will enter the NFL Draft as a highly coveted prospect, likely the No. 1 overall pick. His combination of deep-ball accuracy, off-platform throws, and leadership qualities will make him an instant candidate to become the face of whichever franchise selects him. The NFL has seen an increasing demand for dual-threat quarterbacks who can make plays with both their arms and their legs, and Williams fits that mold perfectly. His escapability and ability to make something out of nothing make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, while his composure in the pocket and downfield vision are elite.

For the Chicago Bears, a team that has struggled with quarterback play for years, Williams would represent the perfect solution to a long-standing issue. The Bears have not had a consistent, reliable starting quarterback since Jay Cutler, and the development of Justin Fields, while promising, has been inconsistent. As of now, Fields still needs refinement in terms of his passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Williams, on the other hand, has already shown an ability to thrive in high-pressure situations, making him an ideal candidate for a team in need of a franchise quarterback.

Selecting Williams would also provide the Bears with an opportunity to hit the reset button on their quarterback situation. With Williams under center, Chicago could build around him with a solid supporting cast, focusing on strengthening other areas of the roster in subsequent drafts. His ability to elevate the play of his teammates would give the Bears a much-needed boost and inject hope into a fanbase that has long been starved for a true quarterback.

Kelvin Banks Jr.: The Foundation of the Offensive Line

While Caleb Williams would undoubtedly be the centerpiece of the Bears’ future, the selection of Kelvin Banks Jr., the Texas Longhorns’ star left tackle, would be equally important in ensuring that their new quarterback has the protection he needs to succeed at the NFL level. Offensive line play has been a major issue for the Bears in recent years, and while they have invested in their line through the draft and free agency, the unit still lacks a true franchise cornerstone.

Banks, at 6’4″ and 325 pounds, is a massive, yet agile, tackle who possesses all the physical tools to dominate at the next level. A former five-star recruit, Banks was an immediate starter at Texas, earning All-Big 12 honors and becoming one of the top-rated offensive linemen in college football. His combination of size, strength, and footwork makes him a standout at left tackle, and he has shown impressive consistency in protecting his quarterback’s blindside.

Banks is known for his ability to anchor against power rushers, while also possessing the agility to match up with speed rushers off the edge. His understanding of pass protection schemes, combined with his exceptional hand placement and balance, makes him a nightmare for opposing defensive ends. On running plays, Banks is equally impressive, creating massive lanes for his running back to exploit. His high football IQ allows him to excel in both pass protection and run blocking, making him an ideal fit for any NFL offense.

In selecting Banks, the Bears would be addressing one of their biggest weaknesses—pass protection. Over the past few years, Chicago has struggled to protect its quarterbacks, leading to inconsistent offensive production. With a player like Banks at left tackle, the Bears would not only improve their ability to protect the quarterback, but they would also create a strong foundation for their offense moving forward. A quarterback like Caleb Williams, who thrives with a clean pocket, would immediately benefit from having Banks as his protector, allowing him to focus on executing the offense rather than worrying about pressure in his face.

Moreover, Banks’ versatility and physicality in the run game would also give the Bears a balanced attack, helping to open up opportunities for their running backs. In today’s NFL, having a left tackle who can dominate in both the run and pass game is a premium asset, and Banks has the potential to be one of the top tackles in the league for years to come.

The Bears’ Offensive Rebuild: A Long-Term Vision

For the Chicago Bears, pairing Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft would represent a transformational shift for the franchise, especially on the offensive side of the ball. The Bears have long been a team in transition, unable to establish offensive consistency despite having some of the best defensive units in the league in recent years. However, with these two top-tier prospects, Chicago could quickly turn its focus toward becoming an offensive powerhouse.

A new era under Williams would immediately make the Bears’ offense more dynamic and explosive, providing them with a player who can lead the charge both through the air and on the ground. With Williams’ ability to make plays in space and create opportunities with his arm, the Bears could potentially become a more aggressive, high-powered offense, something they have lacked for the past decade.

On the flip side, Kelvin Banks Jr. would provide immediate stability to a position that has been a source of frustration for the team. The combination of Banks’ protection and Williams’ playmaking ability could make the Bears one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFC. With Banks manning the left tackle spot and providing top-tier protection, the Bears would be able to build a solid offensive line unit that could protect Williams for years to come.

Together, Williams and Banks would form the foundation of a rejuvenated Chicago Bears offense, one that could compete in the NFC for the foreseeable future. The pairing would provide immediate benefits for the team in both the short and long term, as the Bears aim to build a Super Bowl-contending roster.

What This Means for the 2025 NFL Draft and the Bears’ Future

The 2025 NFL Draft will be a critical moment in the history of the Chicago Bears franchise. While other teams may be looking at a variety of prospects, the combination of Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. represents an opportunity for the Bears to create a lasting legacy—one where the offense becomes the centerpiece of the team, and the struggles of the past decade are left behind.

For the Bears, taking Williams and Banks would not just be a decision about two talented players; it would be a statement that they are finally ready to compete at the highest level. The addition of a franchise quarterback like Williams, paired with a dominant left tackle in Banks, would address their two most pressing needs and set them up for success in both the immediate and distant future. With both players now at the top of NFL mock drafts, it’s clear that the Bears are in an ideal position to make a transformative pick in 2025 that could finally change the trajectory of the franchise.

In the end, if the Bears follow through on this audacious plan to select Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr., they might just be setting themselves up for a new era of dominance in the NFC North—and a chance to finally bring a Super Bowl championship back to Chicago.