After an aggressive offseason focused on rebuilding both their offensive and defensive lines, the Chicago Bears now face a crucial decision with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Bears have been one of the busiest teams this offseason, making significant moves to strengthen their roster. They completely revamped their interior offensive line by signing Falcons center Drew Dalman and acquiring offensive guards Joe Thuney (Kansas City) and Jonah Jackson (Los Angeles Rams) via trade.
Beyond bolstering their offensive line, the Bears also focused on upgrading their defensive front. On the first day of free agency, they signed defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, addressing two of their biggest needs and allowing them more flexibility in the draft.
One potential route Chicago could take with the 10th overall pick is selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. However, Jeanty is expected to be off the board before the Bears are on the clock. Given the depth of this year’s running back class, they might also find better value by targeting a player like Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson later in the draft. ESPN has also projected them to select Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, but with Cole Kmet already one of the league’s better tight ends, he is expected to be a focal point in new offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s system.
How Chicago should use their first round pick
So, what is the best way for the Bears to use their first-round pick? The smartest move may be to continue reinforcing their offensive line by selecting a left tackle. Current starter Braxton Jones is coming off a fractured fibula and, while solid, may not have the upside to develop into an elite left tackle. With their first pick, the Bears could secure a potential long-term cornerstone at the position.
The left tackle with the highest upside in the 2025 draft is Texas star Kelvin Banks Jr. Last season, Banks became the first player in Longhorns history to win both the Outland and Lombardi Awards. He allowed just one sack all year, showcasing his dominance in pass protection.
Banks’ top trait is his elite mobility, which Pro Football Focus rated as the best among all offensive linemen in this year’s draft. His athleticism is evident in pass protection, where he excels at sliding to keep up with even the most explosive edge rushers. His movement skills also translate well to the run game, particularly in reaching the second level. If he can refine his hand usage and cut down on penalties, he has the raw potential to develop into one of the NFL’s premier left tackles.
If the Bears land Banks with their first-round selection, they would likely have an intriguing competition between him and Jones for the starting left tackle spot. Whoever loses that battle would provide valuable depth, which could prove critical given Jackson’s injury history and Thuney’s age (32).
Ultimately, adding a high-upside left tackle like Banks would be a smart investment for Chicago, ensuring long-term stability and further strengthening their offensive front.