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Josh Frey’s 2026 NFL Draft Guide: Florida DT Caleb Banks
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- Josh Frey’s 2026 NFL Draft Guide: Florida DT Caleb Banks
Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
The defensive tackle position is quickly becoming one of the more valuable positions in all of football.
In former days, elite edge rushers were all the rage in terms of star defenders, and while that is still the case to an extent, the truly elite defenses have at least one disruptor in the middle of their defensive line. Teams will be looking to find that player in the 2026 NFL Draft , and it is exactly what many think Caleb Banks can be if he lands in the right place.
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Background
Sep 16, 2023; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Micah Leon (12), Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) and Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) sing after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Statistics
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2021: 1 QB pressure (1 games)
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2022: 2 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 QB pressures, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble (6 games)
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2023: 19 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 24 QB pressures, 1 sack, (12 games)
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2024: 21 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 29 QB pressures, 4.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles (12 games)
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2025: 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 3 QB pressures, 1 fumble recovery (3 games)
Measurables
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Height: 6'6″
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Weight: 327 pounds
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Hand Size: 10 7/8″
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Arm Length: 35″
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40-Yard Dash: 5.04
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10-Yard Split: 1.76
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20-Yard Shuttle: N/A
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Vertical: 32″
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Broad Jump: 9′ 6″
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3 Cone: N/A
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Bench: —
Caleb Banks is a massive human being who, when at his best, wreaked havoc against opposing offensive lines during his collegiate career. Banks spent the first two seasons of his NFL career at Louisville, but he did not get a ton of playing time.
He then transferred to Florida in 2023 where he blossomed into a starter and star on the defensive line of the Gators. However, Banks was only able to play three games in 2025 due to a foot injury. At first, he missed the first two games of the season before suiting up against LSU. During that game, he re-injured the foot, and it was later revealed it was broken. He missed the next nine games before gritting out the final two games of the season.
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Strengths
Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck (15) is pressured by Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) during the third quarter of an NCAA football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. Georgia defeated Florida 43-20.
Banks is an absolute physical specimen at 6'6″ and 327 pounds, and he overwhelms opposing offensive lines with that imposing length and size. His impressive wingspan allows him to create leverage even against bigger offensive linemen.
On top of that size, Banks has an explosive first step, and combined with his ability to win with leverage, his bull rush is devastating.
Finally. Banks is versatile and can move all over the defensive line, meaning he can be a chess piece implemented by just about any NFL defense whether they need a nose tackle or a three tech.
Weaknesses
Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) celebrates with the ball after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Banks has a decent amount of experience in college, but his technique still needs some work to be successful at the NFL level. To his credit, when you can consistently win with athletic ability, you might as well do what works.
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However, Banks does have moments where he doesn't utilize his size and leverage as well as he should. His pad level is too upright too regularly at this point, and he doesn't have a great "plan B" when he doesn't win off the line of scrimmage at this point.
Additionally, Banks' broken foot suffered in 2025 could cause some scouts to raise a few red flags even if he did show up and perform at the NFL Combine.
2026 NFL Draft Projection
Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
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NFL Draft Projection: Mid-Late First Round
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Team Fits: Baltimore Ravens , Minnesota Vikings , Kansas City Chiefs , Miami Dolphins
Banks' weaknesses are things that can be ironed out at the NFL level. You don't always come across this combination of size and athletic ability at the defensive tackle position, so an NFL team is going to jump at the chance to select him somewhere in the teens.
Editor's Note: Statistics from Pro Football Focus helped with this article.
