Selecting Chip Banks with the third overall pick in the 1982 draft paid immediate dividends for a Cleveland defense looking for a game-changer at linebacker. The USC product stepped onto the professional stage unfazed by the transition and put together a dominant inaugural campaign. Banks captured the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award while earning his first Pro Bowl selection, showcasing a rare blend of length, closing speed, and sideline-to-sideline pursuit.

Over his five seasons in Ohio, Banks established himself as one of the premier outside linebackers in the game. He was a versatile cornerstone of Marty Schottenheimer's defense, equally capable of setting the edge against the run, dropping into pass coverage, or blitzing the quarterback. From 1982 through 1986, he made four Pro Bowl appearances and earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1983, solidifying a stretch when his name was consistently mentioned alongside the elite defenders of his era.

Banks played a key role in Cleveland's resurgence as a conference power, contributing to consecutive playoff runs in 1985 and 1986, and reaching the 1986 AFC Championship Game. In 1985, he achieved a career-best 11 sacks, showcasing his talent for disrupting pass blocking when given the chance on the edge. Over his five years with the Browns, he posted double-digit Approximate Value ratings in four seasons, consistently delivering strong performances.

Despite his superstar trajectory on the field, friction between Banks and the Cleveland front office began to simmer over contract demands. Fearing an impending holdout and a protracted negotiation, the Browns traded him to the San Diego Chargers ahead of the 1987 season as part of a high-profile draft-day swap. His business conflicts followed him to the West Coast, culminating in Banks sitting out the entire 1988 season during a contract holdout before resuming his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

With Cleveland, Banks started all 73 regular-season games he appeared in, racking up 27.5 sacks, five interceptions, and six fumble recoveries.