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

As the Chicago Bears head into the 2024 NFL Draft, the team faces an important crossroads in its rebuilding process. With a talented young quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears need to focus on making impactful selections that will improve the team’s chances of returning to playoff contention. The Bears currently hold significant draft capital, and a number of top prospects are expected to be available when their picks come up. Two names in particular have been discussed frequently in recent NFL mock drafts: Caleb Williams, the Heisman-winning quarterback from the University of Southern California (USC), and Kelvin Banks Jr., the standout offensive tackle from the University of Texas.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the Bears’ pairing of Williams and Banks Jr. in recent mock drafts, the potential impact these players could have on Chicago’s roster, and how their additions could accelerate the team’s rebuild. With Williams’ dynamic playmaking ability and Banks’ immediate impact potential on the offensive line, this pairing could set the Bears up for a successful future.

Section 1: The State of the Bears – A Team in Transition

The Chicago Bears are currently in the midst of a multi-year rebuilding process under General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus. While there have been bright spots—particularly the play of Justin Fields—the team has also faced significant struggles in terms of roster construction and consistency. One of the biggest challenges for the Bears has been their lack of offensive firepower, particularly along the offensive line. Fields has shown flashes of brilliance as a dual-threat quarterback, but his development has been hampered by an inconsistent offensive line and a lack of weapons in the passing game.

As the Bears look to the future, their most pressing needs include improving the offensive line, adding playmakers to the receiving corps, and continuing to develop Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback. With these goals in mind, pairing Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. in the draft could address two of the Bears’ biggest areas of need.

Section 2: Caleb Williams – The Elite Quarterback Prospect

A Generational Talent

Caleb Williams, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most highly touted quarterback prospects in recent memory, has been the centerpiece of USC’s explosive offense for the past two seasons. With a combination of elite arm strength, mobility, and football IQ, Williams has the tools to be a game-changer at the next level. He is widely regarded as the consensus No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and for good reason.

Dynamic Playmaker

Williams possesses a rare combination of physical attributes and mental acuity that allows him to make plays both in and outside the pocket. As a passer, he can make all the throws, from deep balls to touch passes to tight windows. His ability to read defenses and adjust his throws based on coverage has made him one of the most polished quarterbacks in the draft class. Beyond his passing ability, Williams is also a dynamic runner who can extend plays with his legs, making him a dual-threat quarterback that keeps defenses guessing.

In 2023, Williams threw for over 4,500 yards, 42 touchdowns, and only five interceptions, further solidifying his status as the top quarterback prospect. He has consistently delivered in clutch moments, making him an ideal candidate for a franchise that needs a leader at the most important position on the field.

Fit with the Bears

The Chicago Bears have long been searching for a franchise quarterback to build around. While Justin Fields has shown flashes of his potential, the team’s struggles with offensive consistency and development have left uncertainty about his future as the team’s QB1. Fields is still incredibly talented, but his lack of protection from the offensive line and a lack of consistent receiving threats has made it difficult for him to thrive.

Pairing Caleb Williams with the Bears would offer the team a fresh start at quarterback. Williams has the potential to be a transcendent talent who can lead the Bears’ offense into a new era. His skill set would complement the Bears’ desire for a modern, pass-heavy offense that can take advantage of play-action, RPOs, and deep throws—all of which align with Williams’ strengths. While the Bears would likely continue to develop Fields and explore his potential, adding a talent like Williams could provide an immediate spark for the offense, particularly with a revamped offensive line.

Section 3: Kelvin Banks Jr. – The Building Block on the Offensive Line

A Dominant Force in the Trenches

While the Bears have a promising young quarterback in Fields, their offensive line has been a persistent weakness over the past few seasons. Despite efforts to improve the line, including selecting Braxton Jones and acquiring free agents like Nate Davis, the Bears’ offensive line has struggled to protect Fields and open lanes for the run game. This is where Kelvin Banks Jr. comes into play.

Banks is one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 320 pounds, Banks is a massive, athletic presence who has consistently dominated at the University of Texas. As a sophomore in 2023, Banks earned All-Big 12 honors and established himself as one of the top tackles in college football. He is known for his combination of strength, agility, and technical proficiency, which allows him to be effective in both pass protection and run blocking.

A Perfect Fit for Chicago’s Offensive Line

The Bears’ offensive line needs a significant upgrade, particularly at the tackle position. While Braxton Jones has shown promise at left tackle, the right tackle spot has been a revolving door of underperforming players. Kelvin Banks Jr. would immediately step in as a Day 1 starter and provide stability to the right side of the line.

Banks’ ability to protect the quarterback and create space in the run game would be a welcome addition to the Bears’ offense. With his size and strength, Banks is capable of handling elite edge rushers, and his mobility allows him to get to the second level in the run game. The Bears would benefit from Banks’ presence, as he could protect whoever is playing quarterback and create the kind of physicality needed for a successful offense.

In addition to his on-field skills, Banks’ leadership and maturity would bring an added layer of toughness to the Bears’ offensive line. He has already been praised for his work ethic and his ability to be a vocal leader on the field. These qualities would fit well with Chicago’s desire to build a more physical, balanced offensive attack.

Section 4: The Bears’ Future with Williams and Banks Jr.

Immediate Impact

The pairing of Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. would have an immediate impact on the Bears’ offense. Williams would step in as the team’s quarterback of the future, offering a dynamic playmaking ability that would allow the offense to evolve into a more modern, high-powered unit. His athleticism, accuracy, and poise would make him an ideal leader for the Bears, helping them finally realize their potential as a dangerous offensive team.

Meanwhile, Banks would provide the Bears with the protection they’ve desperately needed to allow Fields (or Williams) to thrive. With Banks securing the right tackle position, the Bears’ offensive line would be significantly improved, and the team could begin to focus more on developing playmakers at other positions, such as wide receiver.

A New Era for the Bears

The addition of Caleb Williams and Kelvin Banks Jr. would mark the beginning of a new era for the Chicago Bears. The pairing would give the team a strong foundation on both sides of the ball—an elite quarterback and a dominant offensive lineman. The Bears would no longer be a team dependent on defensive dominance alone but rather one with the offensive tools to compete at a high level.

Fields’ development would also be a key storyline to follow, as the Bears may choose to give him another season to prove himself while also developing Williams behind him. Regardless of how the quarterback situation plays out, the Bears would have positioned themselves for success with a much-needed upgrade to the offensive line and a potential future star under center.

Building a Balanced Team

With the addition of Williams and Banks Jr., the Bears could shift their focus to developing a more balanced offensive attack. They would likely need to continue adding weapons to the receiving corps, but having a stable offensive line and an elite quarterback would create the foundation for a potent offense. The team’s defense, which has been the focal point of their success in recent years, would also continue to be a key strength.

The Bears’ approach to rebuilding would likely mirror the blueprint followed by successful teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or the Buffalo Bills, who invested in high-level quarterbacks and offensive line play to complement strong defenses.