Josh Edwards, CBS (March 13)
Pick: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty
Comment: Chicago has made wholesale additions to its roster, which could allow them to make what would have been considered a luxury selection just a few weeks ago. Ashton Jeanty is a net positive in both the run and pass games, which should take pressure off of young quarterback Caleb Williams.
Marco Enriquez, Pro Football Network (March 13)
Pick: Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou
Comment: Armand Membou is a ferocious pass blocker who holds his own in the run game. He has clean footwork, balance, and strong blocking fundamentals. While he primarily played right tackle in college, some NFL teams may project Membou as a guard due to his 6-foot-3 frame. Regardless, his versatility makes him a valuable addition to Chicago’s OL.
Alan Goldsher, Sports Illustrated (March 16)
Pick: Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 5 (Bears move up five spots by sending 72nd selection in third round to Jaguars)
Comment: Jeanty’s already lofty stock is rising, and at this point, it looks like he won’t make it past Las Vegas at the six-spot. So if Poles and the Bears want to welcome the draft’s most can’t-miss offensive option—which they should—they’ll need to leapfrog the Raiders…and they do just that while holding on to their two second-rounders.
David Helman, Fox Sports (March 13)
Pick: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Comment: It’d be a hell of a lot of fun to drop Ashton Jeanty behind this new-look Chicago offensive line, but for some reason I don’t expect Ben Johnson to do that. The Bears have solid backs, and this is a deep class at that position. Instead, we’re going to do the responsible thing and complete this offensive line makeover by drafting a franchise left tackle who also has the ability to play guard, if needed.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Feb. 18)
Pick: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Comment: The Bears need to devote their offseason to upgrading the group playing in front of Caleb Williams. Banks has the skill set to play tackle or guard.
Cam Mellor, College Football Network (March 15)
Pick: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr.
Comment: Kelvin Banks Jr. possesses elite athleticism, quick feet, and explosive movement, making him a high-upside NFL offensive tackle, though his inconsistent hand usage may create a learning curve against pro defenders. While he has the versatility to play guard, teams will likely keep him at tackle to maximize his potential.
Curt Popejoy, NFL Draftwire (March 16)
Pick: Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker
Comment: The Bears get maybe the most versatile defensive player in the draft in Walker.
Seth Quinn, Newsweek (March 14)
Pick: LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell
Comment: Some draft experts view Campbell as a guard, but the Bears take him to be their left tackle of the future, the position he played exclusively in college. The Bears already shored up their interior offensive line, and they also shore up the exterior with this pick, so Caleb Williams has more time to make good decisions and extend plays.
Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports (March 14)
Pick: Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou
Comment: The Bears traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, and now they add perhaps the best offensive tackle in the class. You can never have too much protection for your franchise quarterback.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (March 4)
Pick: LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell
Comment: Will Campbell has been my OT2 throughout, and while he’s not as athletic as Kelvin Banks Jr., he’s been incredibly consistent throughout his LSU career. He’ll get questions about his sub-33-inch arm length, but just as he told reporters at the combine, I’d also encourage skeptics to go watch the tape.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (March 3)
Pick: Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons
Comment: For the second time in three drafts, Ryan Poles takes an offensive tackle with the No. 10 overall pick (SEE: Darnell Wright in 2023).
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