All eyes will be on the Chicago Bears when the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is on clock. Unless, the Bears decide to trade back from their spot – assuming they haven’t moved up – and accrue even more draft capital.
Chicago is entering the event with four picks inside the top 75. They already have ample opportunity to stock their roster with potent talent. But as the Bears prepare for year one of the Ben Johnson era, they don’t want to leave any stone unturned. More draft picks ensures Chicago’s outlook is brimming with potential for the foreseeable future.
With the No. 10 pick, the Bears are a prime trade partner for any team looking to cash in on a supremely valued prospect. With the Indianapolis Colts in desperate need of a tight end, Peter Schrager of ESPN suggested they send the Bears picks No. 14 and No. 80 to move up to No. 10 and select Colston Loveland.
“My first trade is a fun one. The Colts give up Nos. 14 and 80 to move up four spots in a deal with the Bears,” Schrager wrote.
“GM Chris Ballard & Co. get a 6-foot-6 tight end who has many teams enchanted ahead of Round 1,” Schrager continued. “This pick would be about instant offense for a team that needs it.”
Chicago Bears move down
If one of Chicago’s top prospects aren’t available, the chances of a trade down become all the more realistic. In this scenario, they move down just four spots and add another top 100 pick in the process.
Shrager’s mock saw Will Campbell go No. 4 to the New England Patriots while Ashton Jeanty followed at No. 5 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The hits didn’t stop as Armand Membou was mocked to the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6 and Tyler Warren went to the New York Jets at No. 7. While the Bears obviously have other targets, those four players have been the ones most connected to Chicago during the pre-draft process.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham was still available in this experiment, and the potential of adding him to the interior of the offensive line may be too good to pass up. However, Chicago would be able to be a bit more versatile in the middle rounds. Say a top player is slipping in round two, the Bears now have more than enough draft capital to climb up the boards and secure their exact target.
General manager Ryan Poles and company will be cautious, as the team understands how important the 2025 draft is. However, they will consider all opportunities, and a trade down from their No. 10 slot might be the best option.
And still land premier prospect
While the Bears moved down to No. 14, they still found a way to bolster their trenches in a major way. Schrager has Chicago selecting offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.
“Banks could end up going before Membou as the top tackle in this class,” Schrager wrote. “He has the better tape and is more consistent. If the Bears trade back and still get him, that’s a major win.”
Banks was named the starting left tackle entering his freshman season at Texas. He went on to appear in 42 games over his three years with the team. Banks ended his time with the Longhorns in style, winning the Outland Trophy, Jacobs Blocking Trophy and Lombardi Award while being named a Unanimous All-American. Heading into the draft, Banks earned a comparison to Christian Darrisaw of the Minnesota Vikings and Peter Skoronski of the Tennessee Titans by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
“Three-year starter who has gone to battle in the trenches with current and future pros. Banks will come into the league as an early starter but his run blocking is more pro-ready than his pass protection,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s technically sound and scrappy in the ground game, with the quickness and athleticism to get to all move blocks. He has the leverage and strain to hold his own at the point.”
“Banks has the slide quickness to deal with speed, but he must become more proactive in attacking power rushers and long-limbed attackers to prevent them from dictating the terms,” Zierlein continued. “He needs to improve his anchor and hand placement but he should become a long-time NFL starter at either tackle or guard.”
There are some questions about if Banks can remain at tackle in the NFL. However, no one is doubting his blocking ability. While the Bears bolstered their offensive line in free agency, left tackle specifically is still an area of need. Furthermore, Chicago wants to ensure their fortified across the entire offensive line.
Banks may not get as much buzz as Membou or Campbell, but he is still a highly regarded NFL Draft prospect. Landing him in the first round while picking up the No. 80 overall pick may be an opportunity too good for Chicago to pass up on.
Chicago Bears predicted to land second 1st-round pick in major Rams trade
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1 Comment
What a waste of a pick should of traded up for jeanty or got embuka at 10