Left tackle has constantly been mentioned as a position the Chicago Bears want to address at some point in the 2025 draft. Most believe it almost has to happen at the 10th overall pick. History says finding a starting left tackle after the 1st round is incredibly difficult compared to other positions. The problem is if they do that, who will it be? Will Campbell and Armand Membou are the two names mentioned the most. However, the one who seems to be gaining traction by the day as the draft draws closer is Kelvin Banks.
There is probably a reason for this. Draft insiders tend to get their most accurate information in the week before things kick off. The fact Banks’ name surfaced so recently doesn’t feel coincidental. There are legitimate reasons to believe the Bears may like him more than people realize.
- He is the most experienced left tackle in the class
- High athletic ceiling
- No injury concerns
- Strength is his run-blocking
Banks has three years of starting experience against top college competition. He’s a good athlete, earning an 8.25 Relative Athletic Score. Unlike Ohio State’s Josh Simmons, he has no health issues. Lastly, his run-blocking is already a core strength of his game. For an offensive mind like Ben Johnson, that is a crucial point.
Kelvin Banks feels like he’s still unpolished.
Despite having three years of starting experience, most experts see a player who hasn’t yet mastered hand placement or balance. His struggles in the Georgia game last season reflected this. It leads to frequent lapses in pass protection. Can he fix it? The Bears may think they can. Dan Roushar is considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the game. He’s turned plenty of talented blockers into Pro Bowlers. If anybody can polish Kelvin Banks into what he should be, it’s Roushar. This is a case of a young player having the talent to be a franchise left tackle. It is that certain areas of his game leave questions.
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Banks draws comparisons to Christian Darrisaw, who also had questions about technique and focus coming out of college. He eventually began playing at a Pro Bowl level. If the Bears think Banks can follow that same trajectory, this pick makes sense.
Banks was a 1st Team All-American, Lombardi and Outland Trophy winner. His arm length has been questioned but at 33.5 it’s the best of the top 10 OTs in Draft. But Banks does have exceptional quickness out of his stance, good technique and awareness, plus outstanding athleticism. His problems in pass protection stem from lunging leaving him vulnerable to push-pull techniques from DEs. A good DLine Coach will clean that up. The fact is there are questions about all of the Top OTs in the Draft regarding ideal height, arm length, or NFL readiness. That’s why I believe the Bears… Read more »
@Slip Knotz I can see the Jenkins comp which rightfully brings his ideal position into question. I do think technically he’s further ahead than Tevin was when we drafted him. I guess my only knocks on him as a tackle prospect would be his length and the limited tape in a more pro style pass set. I think issues with his athleticism are way over blown, while not elite I think he’s more than sufficient for a run based offense. When I look at BJ’s play calling with the Lions, it strikes me as the type of offense a tackle… Read more »
@Bears57 I don’t know why Milum’s not being discussed either but I have a suggestion perhaps. WV isn’t well known or much discussed around the media which should be no excuse. But when I reviewed this guy he seemed like a Tevin Jenkins at LT. Better than nothing, hell yes, but an aspiration, not sure about that. One thing I think peeps keep mixing up about Braxton is his injury issues. You might have a rookie right now that Braxton could beat out. But consider that with 6 mos experience while Braxton is out again with his bubble wrap, the… Read more »
I don’t understand why Milum is getting zero love at tackle. You see people complaining about agility but Zero sacks and one hit in 3 years as a starting LT in a major conference isn’t nothing. I mean 30 hurries and one hit in almost 1200 pass block snaps and he’s getting treated like a day 3 guy. Same group who thought Puka Nakua’s skills wouldn’t transfer to the NFL I guess.
Immediate impact is what you want from a 1.10 pick. Warren or Hampton are probably the best bets for being on the board and would provide that.
At LT….if not Conerly in the 2nd then Trapilo in the 3rd.