2026 NFL Prospect Profile: Florida Gators Defensive Tackle Caleb Banks

Caleb Banks has rapidly become one of the most intriguing defensive tackle prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class, combining rare size, explosive athleticism and disruptive potential that has scouts buzzing about his future at the next level. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound senior out of the University of Florida has had a meteoric rise up draft boards thanks to his unique physical profile, ability to pressure the quarterback from the interior, and scheme versatility that fits both 4-3 and odd/even fronts.  

A native of Southfield, Michigan, Banks initially began his collegiate career at Louisville before transferring to Florida ahead of the 2023 season, where he quickly emerged as a key piece of the Gators’ defensive front. After limited action early in his career, Banks broke out in the 2024 campaign with a series of high-impact performances against top competition in the SEC, showcasing a rare blend of burst and power from the interior.  

His 2024 season was highlighted by 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, along with multiple forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, earning him SEC recognition and national attention as a disruptive interior lineman. Banks led defensive tackles in pressures during key games late in the season, drawing comparisons to elite pros thanks to his ability to generate chaos against both the run and pass. 

Despite entering the 2025 season with high draft expectations and watchlist honors for awards like the Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik, Banks suffered a lower-body injury that limited him to just a handful of games and forced him to miss significant time. Nevertheless, NFL evaluators have remained bullish on his talent, projecting him as one of the top interior defensive prospects in the 2026 class when healthy.  

Strengths

Unique Physical Traits

Banks’ combination of size, length, and explosive first step is elite for a defensive tackle. His ability to disrupt timing and penetrate gaps gives him a high ceiling as an interior pass rusher.  

Pass-Rush Potential

He consistently flashes the quickness to beat interior blockers and pressure quarterbacks, a trait that stands out among interior defenders and has made him a coveted draft target.  

Scheme Versatility

Banks has lined up across the front, from nose tackle to 5-technique, making him an adaptable chess piece in both 4-3 and hybrid defensive systems at the next level.  

Impact Plays

His 2024 tape features multiple tackles for loss, sacks, and forced turnovers, showcasing a nose for big plays, even against elite competition in the SEC.  

Weaknesses

Health and Availability

Injuries in both spring and fall camps in 2025 limited his season and raised durability concerns, potentially affecting his draft stock compared with a full, productive year.  

Technique Development

While his physical gifts are evident, Banks still needs refinement in pad level, hand usage, and leverage, especially against double teams, to maximize his potential.  

Consistency

His impact has come in bursts rather than full games, and questions remain whether he can sustain peak performance across an entire season.  

Conclusion

When healthy, Banks has shown the ability to beat interior blockers, pressure the quarterback, and create game-changing plays, traits that project well in pro defenses seeking interior disruption. Banks’ 2025 injury setbacks have introduced some uncertainty, but his pre-injury tape and draft board buzz, including early first-round projections from national analysts, speak to his high ceiling. 

With improved technique and sustained availability, Banks has the tools to become a Day 1 or early Day 2 pick, offering a rare blend of athleticism and power that could pay dividends for whichever team selects him.