Early Bears Three-Round 2025 Mock Draft: Giving Caleb Williams the Protection He Needs

It's never too early for a Chicago Bears mock draft.

They have a new franchise quarterback leading the way and while Caleb Williams has shown progress throughout the season, he’s made many rookie mistakes that are all part of the learning process. He should continue to grow and improve each game.

Rome Odunze has also shown a lot early in his career. There’s so much for him to do and comprehend. Both of these rookies have great potential. Despite those two young stars, the Chicago Bears still have plenty of spots to address. General Manager Ryan Poles remarked that he desires to build the trenches, yet that appears to be the most prominent problem for the team.

The offensive and defensive line have struggled early in 2024. If the Bears want to take the next step to build a sustained winner, they need to make several changes. This latest mock draft allows the Bears to improve both sides of the ball efficiently. It addresses numerous glaring holes this team has. The goal of this exercise was to not only address both the offensive and defensive line but also to improve the protection for future franchise quarterback Caleb Williams. He needs protection.

Let's go through a three-round mock draft on how the Bears can improve the trenches and give Williams the help necessary to succeed.

Round 1, Pick 15: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

The PFF Mock Draft simulator currently has the Bears at the 15th overall selection. For this pick, we went with the best available offensive lineman: Kelvin Banks Jr. out of the University of Texas.

The Chicago Bears need to address the offensive line. Of the current group, Darnell Wright is the only player that should stay. Nate Davis has not met expectations, Teven Jenkins is entering the final year of his contract and has an injury history, and Coleman Shelton is not an ideal fit to play center.

Though Braxton Jones has shown his potential and is reliable, he has struggled in pass protection mightily. The left tackle should be an elite pass protector and Jones is not that guy. At the moment, Jones should be a swing tackle to provide the Bears with necessary depth across the line.

Braxton Jones has shown that he is capable of starting, but the future is with Caleb Williams, and it is imperative to protect his back. Enter Banks Jr. The future franchise left tackle would be an immediate upgrade over Jones in the pass protection. To solidify that position with a long-term solution is ideal.

It never hurts to upgrade a position. Banks is giant, more powerful, and much more athletic. If the opportunity presents itself and the Bears can upgrade the position, they should take a shot at it. This pick would help eliminate all the pressure that Williams has gone through so far this season.