Whether the Chicago Bears decide to hire Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, or another candidate as their next head coach, one thing remains clear: they need to address the offensive line. Ryan Poles made all the eye-popping moves like drafting Rome Odunze, trading for Keenan Allen, and signing D’Andre Swift—which weren’t necessarily bad decisions—he just failed to build from the foundation up. Without a viable offensive line to protect Caleb Williams, the season has fallen short of expectations. Now is Poles’ last chance to right his wrongs and address the offensive line.
A Position-by-Position Guide to Revamping the Bears Offensive Line
Left Tackle
Option A: Draft Kelvin Banks Jr.
There’s only one offensive lineman the Bears should draft with their first-round pick: Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. The latest recipient of the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top collegiate lineman, Banks Jr. is an impressive athlete. While slightly undersized at 6’4″, he compensates with excellent athleticism, using leverage and power to dominate defenders. His ability to climb to the second level and impose his will on opposing players would be a game-changer for the Bears. Left tackle is one of the most important positions in football, and Banks would be a major upgrade.
#Texas Left Tackle Kelvin Banks Jr pic.twitter.com/yfOO3YBP1d
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) December 19, 2024
Option B: Stick with Braxton Jones
If Kelvin Banks Jr. is gone by the time it reaches the Bears pick, the team should stick with Braxton Jones. He’s a serviceable tackle, and the alternatives aren’t significantly better. With one year remaining on his rookie contract, the Bears would be better off focusing on other positions and revisiting the left tackle situation after the 2025 season.
Left Guard
Option A: Sign James Daniels
The Bears should have never let James Daniels leave in the first place. Before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear, Daniels was the highest-rated guard by PFF with a 92.9 grade. He’s only 27 and would bring stability to a unit that desperately needs it. Plus he’s extremely versatile having played at center and both guard positions in the past.
What the Bears need the most on the offensive line is availability, and as good as Teven Jenkins was on the field, the problem is he’s rarely on the field. Even with James Daniels only playing four games this season, he’s played in all 17 games in 2021 and 2022 and 15 games last season.
Projected Contract: 3 Years, $36 Million
Option B: Draft a Guard in the Second Round
With two second-round picks, the Bears should target a top-tier guard like Jonah Savaiinaea or Tyler Booker. Both are highly skilled, physically gifted linemen who could immediately strengthen the team. Keep an eye on both of them during the NFL Combine.
Tyler Booker knockdowns pic.twitter.com/L105uhyJ5J
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 22, 2024
Center
Option A: Sign Drew Dalman
Unfortunately for the Bears, there are not a ton of options at center. However, Drew Dalman will be the top commodity this offseason for teams interested in acquiring one. Ranked as PFF’s fifth-best center this season, he’s a dominant run blocker with the quickness to make plays in space. Dalman won’t come cheap, but if the Bears were to splurge on any player, it should be him.
Projected Contract: 3 Years, $42 Million
Option B: Sign Ryan Kelly
The center class is weak this year so drafting one to start is presumably out of the picture. If the Bears miss out on signing Drew Dalman, the next best solution is signing Ryan Kelly. He’s on the older side at 31, but he’s an experienced center who’ll help Caleb Williams from getting obliterated. Coleman Shelton has given up far too many sacks this season, and finding a top-tier center should be the Bears’ No. 1 priority this offseason.
Projected Contract: 2 Years, $18 Million
Right Guard
Option A: Sign Trey Smith
This shouldn’t surprise anyone. If there’s a chance the Kansas City Chiefs and Trey Smith couldn’t reach an agreement on an extension, the Bears should do whatever it takes to sign Smith. He’s one of the top lineman in the NFL and will likely become the highest-paid guard this offseason.
Projected Contract: 4 Years, $90 Million
Option B: Sign Mekhi Becton
Technically option B would also be drafting a guard, but since it’s already been mentioned, signing Mekhi Becton would be the next best option. He’s enjoying a revival after a failed stint with the New York Jets, and at 6’7″ and 363 pounds, he’ll quite literally be a huge addition for the Bears. Transitioning from tackle to guard, Becton has put together all the physical gifts into results on the field, and he’ll get a huge payday this offseason.
Projected Contract: 3 Years, $33 Million
Last Word on the Bears Offensive Line
The Bears’ next season hinges on fortifying their offensive line. For the first time in years, they have a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. The last thing fans want is for his development to be hindered by abysmal protection upfront. It’s time to address this issue at all costs.
Projected Bears Lineup with Option A:
- LT: Kelvin Banks Jr.
- LG: James Daniels
- C: Drew Dalman
- RG: Trey Smith
- RT: Darnell Wright
Projected Bears Lineup with Option B:
- LT: Braxton Jones
- LG: Tyler Booker/Jonah Savaiinaea
- C: Ryan Kelly
- RG: Mekhi Becton
- RT: Darnell Wright
Main Image: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
