The Bears get OT Kelvin Banks Jr. in a new NFL Media mock.

The Chicago Bears’ journey toward rebuilding a competitive and well-rounded team has been one of the most watched storylines of the NFL’s recent seasons. Under the leadership of General Manager Ryan Poles and Head Coach Matt Eberflus, the Bears have focused on developing their young quarterback, Justin Fields, while working to improve key areas of their roster. One of the most pressing needs for the Bears as they head into the 2024 NFL Draft is upgrading their offensive line, which has been a weak point for the team in recent years.

In a new NFL Media mock draft, the Bears are projected to select Kelvin Banks Jr., an offensive tackle from the University of Texas, with one of their first-round picks. This would be a critical move for the Bears as they look to provide Fields with better protection and improve their offensive line’s ability to create lanes in the run game. Banks is widely considered one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 draft, and selecting him could help solidify the Bears’ offensive line for years to come.

In this article, we will break down what this potential selection of Kelvin Banks Jr. means for the Bears, how his skill set would fit with Chicago’s offensive line needs, and the broader impact his addition could have on the team’s future.

Section 1: Kelvin Banks Jr. – A Rising Star in the 2024 NFL Draft

Background:

Kelvin Banks Jr. is an offensive tackle prospect who has made a name for himself during his time at the University of Texas. Standing at 6’4” and weighing around 320 pounds, Banks possesses the physical tools to be an elite tackle at the next level. He has already been praised for his combination of size, strength, and agility, as well as his ability to keep defenders at bay. Banks has shown impressive skills both in pass protection and in run blocking, making him one of the most complete offensive linemen available in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After an outstanding freshman year, where he earned multiple All-Big 12 honors, Banks continued to improve in his sophomore season, solidifying his place among the top tackle prospects for the NFL. His ability to protect the quarterback’s blindside and open lanes in the run game has drawn comparisons to some of the top offensive tackles in the NFL, making him a highly coveted prospect.

As a member of Texas’ offensive line, Banks has been crucial in helping their offense develop and perform at a high level. His technique, combined with his physical attributes, has made him one of the most well-rounded offensive tackles in college football.

Projections for the NFL:

Given his skill set and production in college, Banks is expected to be one of the first offensive linemen off the board in the 2024 draft. Many scouts believe he has the potential to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL and make an immediate impact. His ability to protect the quarterback and open running lanes makes him an appealing option for teams in need of offensive line help, including the Chicago Bears.

His combination of size and mobility allows him to be effective against both power rushers and speed rushers. He can anchor down and control the line of scrimmage, but he also has the quickness and footwork to mirror defenders in pass protection. These traits have made him a top prospect among offensive tackles, and his potential to develop into a franchise left tackle is one of the primary reasons why teams like the Bears, who are in need of reinforcements on the offensive line, are taking a serious look at him.

Section 2: The Bears’ Offensive Line Needs

Assessing the Current Offensive Line:

The Chicago Bears have faced ongoing challenges with their offensive line in recent seasons. Despite some bright spots—such as Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones—the overall unit has been inconsistent in both run blocking and pass protection. This has particularly hindered the development of Justin Fields, who has faced frequent pressure and has often been forced to make plays on the run. While Fields’ athleticism and ability to create plays outside the pocket have been highlights, the Bears’ offensive line struggles have been a major limiting factor to the team’s offensive success.

The team has made moves to improve the line, including drafting Jones in 2022 and acquiring players like Nate Davis in free agency. However, the group still lacks a true anchor on the offensive line, particularly at the tackle positions. With Braxton Jones developing into a reliable left tackle, the right tackle and guard spots have been more unstable. If the Bears want to fully maximize Fields’ potential as a franchise quarterback, improving the offensive line must be one of their top priorities.

The Need for an Elite Tackle:

One area where the Bears are particularly vulnerable is at the right tackle position. Despite the solid play of Jones at left tackle, the right side has been a revolving door of players, and consistency has been a major issue. This inconsistency has led to Fields being under constant pressure from the blindside and the right side, severely limiting the offense’s ability to develop.

Bringing in a player like Kelvin Banks Jr. would help to solidify the tackle position. Banks has the potential to step in as the starting right tackle immediately, providing an upgrade in pass protection and in the running game. His physicality, agility, and ability to handle both power and speed rushers would provide much-needed stability to the offensive line. By adding a player like Banks to the mix, the Bears could establish a more secure offensive line, allowing Fields more time in the pocket and better opportunities to execute the offense.

Section 3: How Kelvin Banks Jr. Fits with the Chicago Bears

Immediate Impact:

If the Bears select Kelvin Banks Jr. with their first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he would provide an immediate upgrade to the offensive line. His skill set would translate well to the Bears’ offensive scheme, which focuses on running the ball and creating play-action opportunities for Justin Fields. In particular, Banks’ ability to open up running lanes would complement the Bears’ running game, which has featured solid performances from backs like Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman.

With Banks in the lineup, the Bears would have a much more reliable tackle duo in Braxton Jones on the left side and Banks on the right side. This stability would help solidify the Bears’ offensive line, ensuring that Fields has the protection he needs to operate effectively. The Bears have prioritized developing Fields as their franchise quarterback, and giving him better protection is a crucial part of that process. Banks would be an integral part of that plan.

A Long-Term Investment:

Selecting Banks would also represent a long-term investment for the Bears. Given the importance of offensive line play, securing a player who can be a foundational piece for years to come is critical. Banks has the physical tools and technical skills to be a long-term starter in the NFL. If he is able to develop as expected, he could form a key part of the Bears’ offensive line for a decade, helping the team build a strong offensive unit around Justin Fields.

As the Bears look to transition into a more competitive phase of their rebuilding project, selecting a player with Banks’ upside would give them a solid foundation to build upon. Whether it’s protecting Fields or creating running lanes for the backfield, Banks would be an asset to the Bears for the foreseeable future.

Complementing Other Offseason Moves:

The addition of Kelvin Banks Jr. would also complement other potential moves the Bears could make during the offseason. The Bears may look to add additional pieces to the offensive line or other positions of need in free agency or later in the draft. However, securing a premier tackle like Banks would provide a strong starting point for their rebuilding efforts. In addition to bolstering the offensive line, the Bears can focus on addressing other needs such as adding weapons for Fields at wide receiver or strengthening the defense.

Section 4: The Bigger Picture: What Does This Move Mean for the Bears’ Future?

Stability and Protection for Justin Fields:

The primary reason why selecting Kelvin Banks Jr. would be so crucial for the Bears is the protection it would provide to Justin Fields. Fields has immense talent and potential, but his ability to succeed will be limited if he continues to face constant pressure and isn’t given enough time to develop plays. With a more secure offensive line, Fields would have a better chance of finding rhythm in the pocket and making plays with his arm and his legs.

Improving the offensive line isn’t just about protecting the quarterback—it’s also about creating a more balanced offense that can attack defenses in multiple ways. With Banks securing the right tackle spot, the Bears could run the ball more effectively, open up play-action opportunities, and give Fields more time to read defenses and make decisions.

Building a Competitive Team:

Selecting Banks would also signal that the Bears are serious about competing in the near future. The team has been rebuilding under Poles and Eberflus, but securing a player like Banks could accelerate their timeline to contention. As the Bears continue to add young talent to their roster, making sure that their quarterback is well-protected and their offense can function efficiently is crucial to establishing a competitive team.

Shifting the Offensive Identity:

The addition of a top offensive tackle like Banks would give the Bears the opportunity to fully embrace a balanced, physical offensive identity. Over the past several seasons, the Bears have struggled to find consistency on offense, but by improving the line, they could become a more formidable force in the trenches. A strong running game combined with improved pass protection could transform the Bears’ offense into one that can wear down opponents and control the clock.