2026 NFL DRAFT

PROSPECT PROFILE

CALEB BANKS

DL, FLORIDA 6-6, 325

Strengths

• Uses his length very well to keep defenders from getting into his frame
• Quick first step out of his stance
• Variety of plus moves including a push-pull, swim, inside spin and club over
• Active hands at the POA
• Power on display when he gets the leverage advantage on an opponent
• Fantastic on using his length and strength to shed blockers
• Elite use of hands and athleticism to get the opponent of balance and applying power

Weaknesses

• Pad level consistency is a problem. He regularly plays to upright immediately out of his stance losing the leverage battle
• Does not regularly play with the raw power you would expect for his size
• Leverage issues make him an easy target for double teams where he cannot hold the POA
• Misses tackles by reaching instead of driving and finishing

Caleb Banks combines his massive size and elite first step to win at the POA. He has enough athleticism to win reps with a variety of moves and head fakes and once the opponent is on his heels, he leans into his power to overwhelm. His hands and length are what he wins with. He uses both extremely well to be able to keep the linemen at bay, shed defenders, and make stops.

Even though he has elite size, he does not play with the raw power you would expect. He prefers to win with his hands more often than just blasting the opponent off the line and into the backfield. His size also causes him to play high most of the time, where he can lose leverage and be pushed out of plays, especially if double teamed. Also, he can look to shoot the gaps instead of holding the POA, diagnosing the play, and reacting.

There are flashes to Banks’ game that have high end DT written on them, but I do not see the consistent power and leverage of other top end DT in this class. He might be better off as a rotational player to begin life in the NFL, but is that role worthy of a premium draft pick?

If Banks was the Chargers selection at 1.22, he would definitely upgrade the unit with some size and burst that it is currently lacking. I also think that if he were properly coached and played with more discipline, he has the tools to develop into a top player in the league at his position. Is this a situation where Mike Elston gets a talented ball of clay to mold into a Pro Bowler? Depending on the options available I would prefer other prospects both at DT or other positions and I do not believe he will be the BPA at 22. Banks wouldn’t initially excite me as the selection, but there is enough talent there to get behind developing which would help explain the selection.