The worst-kept secret regarding the Chicago Bears is the fact they will go hunting for offensive line help in the upcoming off-season. A strong case can be made that four of the five positions need upgrading, with Darnell Wright being the one exception. Braxton Jones is dealing with a broken leg. Teven Jenkins and Coleman Shelton will be free agents. Matt Pryor is more of a backup. If the Bears want to get Caleb Williams up to a competitive level, they have to do a lot better than this group.
One obvious thing to do is go after the best offensive lineman in the 1st round of the draft. Depending on what happens this Sunday, Chicago could be picking anywhere from #4 to #10. Most believe it likely settles between #7 and #9. That is a great spot for blocking help. However, ESPN draft insider Matt Miller raised one issue. The Bears won’t have many options if they are dead set on doing that. Based on his grades, there is only one player in this class worth a 1st round pick.
Kelvin Banks Jr, Texas (No. 4)
Comp: Rashawn Slater, Los Angeles Chargers
Banks has been the anchor of the Longhorns’ offensive line since arriving on campus as a freshman. Though his 6-foot-4, 320-pound frame might scare some scouts in pass protection, Banks’ elite footwork makes up for a lack of length and has helped him allow pressures on an FBS-low 0.3% of snaps. He is also an elite run blocker with the power and agility to overwhelm defenders. Banks has the potential to be a top run blocker in the NFL, either at tackle or kicking inside to guard.
Some will argue that LSU’s Will Campbell deserves consideration, but there isn’t a consensus on where he will play. His success in college has been at tackle. However, due to length concerns, most see him as a guard in the NFL. Having not played the position much, taking him in the top 10 becomes risky. Banks is more likely to stick at tackle, but can move inside to guard as well. Chicago needs more help with their run blocking. That being his strength would be a major plus from their perspective.
If Banks isn’t their guy or somebody else takes him first, the Chicago Bears face a dilemma. Do they trade back, accumulate picks, and grab an offensive lineman later, or do they stay put and take the best player available? Conventional wisdom says it would be the latter. This is an excellent draft for pass rushers, which the Bears also need. Abdul Carter, Mason Graham, or Nic Scourton would be exciting additions to the roster. Maybe the landscape changes in a few months. Still, it feels like the team doesn’t have much flexibility if they’re looking for blocking help.
