CONFIRMED: Seattle Seahawks Defeat Chicago Bears to Secure Offensive Guard Kelvin Banks Jr. in First-Round Pick
The Seattle Seahawks have officially landed standout offensive guard Kelvin Banks Jr. in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, beating out a strong push from the Chicago Bears in a dramatic pick-day showdown.
Banks Jr., a dominant lineman out of Texas, was one of the most coveted interior offensive line prospects in the draft, praised for his size, agility, and elite pass protection skills. The Bears were reportedly eyeing Banks Jr. as a key reinforcement for their struggling offensive front, but the Seahawks moved decisively to secure him with their first-round selection.
Seattle’s front office prioritized strengthening the offensive line to better protect quarterback Geno Smith and boost the team’s running game. By selecting Banks Jr., the Seahawks addressed a critical need with a plug-and-play talent who is expected to make an immediate impact.
General Manager John Schneider called the pick a “strategic victory,” noting that Banks Jr. fits perfectly into their long-term vision. “We knew other teams were in play, but we weren’t going to miss out on a guy with his upside,” he said during the post-draft press conference.
With this selection, the Seahawks have sent a clear message—they’re building from the trenches and investing in stability for the future.
