Turns Out There Is A New Layer To Kelvin Banks Bears Rumors

No name has gotten more action around the Chicago Bears in the past week, as the NFL draft looms, than Kelvin Banks. Multiple prominent insiders have released their mock drafts, including Peter Schrager and Benjamin Allbright, both of whom project the Texas left tackle to Chicago. It is easy to see why. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson have said that the position is of critical importance to their plans. While they love Braxton Jones and Kiran Amegadjie, neither player gives them certainty this season.

Jones is still recovering from his season-ending ankle injury and may not be ready for training camp. That is without mentioning that 2025 is the last year of his rookie contract. Amegadjie is still unproven with minimal experience against top competition. The Bears don't have a clear answer at the position. Taking somebody like Banks in the 1st round would make sense. However, it appears there could be a wrinkle to his name being connected to Chicago. Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron mentioned it in his latest column.

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"I believe that if the Bears can’t land their weapon of choice in Jeanty or the OL they like the most, they would be comfortable moving back. The question is, can they find a partner? Plenty of NFL insiders are reporting that the Houston Texans want to move up aggressively to grab Kelvin Banks. Banks will most likely be there at 10 (but he could go before that). Could the Bears make a move that could net them a 2026 first-round pick? Even if it didn’t, the compensation could be something like the Texans' picks at 25, 58, 89, and a 2026 2nd or 3rd round pick as well."

Houston's interest in Kelvin Banks makes complete sense.

The Texans just traded Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason to the Washington Commanders. Right now, veteran journeyman Cam Robinson is projected to be their starter in 2025. That isn't an ideal scenario for Houston as they try to retool C.J. Stroud's protection. Banks is a local kid from Humble, Texas. It is an easy sales pitch to fans after watching Banks help his program back to prominence over the past three years. We also know Houston isn't afraid to make aggressive moves. They traded up for Will Anderson two years ago in the 1st round.

If they feel Kelvin Banks is the real deal, then jumping up to #10 isn't crazy. Chicago would secure a nice package of picks, refilling their coffers after recent trades drained them. Though falling back to #25 is a long way, there is a reasonable chance they can still land a quality player. Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons, Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson could all be available. Poles is likely to be happy with his options.