FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Caleb Banks
Caleb Banks (DL – Florida)
6’6″ – 330 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Louisville, where he redshirted in 2021 and played sparingly the following year before transferring to Florida. Stepped into a starting role with the Gators right away, totaling 364 snaps in 2023 and 422 in 2024 before getting hurt this past season and missing most of the year (96 snaps). Posted lines of 19-1.5-1.0 in 2023, 21-7.0-4.5 in 2024, and 6-1.0-0.0 this past year.
Positives:
Massive two-year SEC starter who’s about as big as they come. The Gators used both three- and four-man lines, and is capable of playing basically any technique: zero, one, three, or five. Comes out of his stance with more explosiveness than you’d expect given his size, and is capable of threatening gaps on one-gap concepts, which seem to be a better fit for him on a temperamental level. Shows good lateral quickness and balance to scrape in the run game. Has excellent length and gets good extension to lock out opponents. Flashes the ability to bend his knees and use his bull rush to walk back opposing blockers. Shows good activity after contact, keeping his feet churning to reset the line of scrimmage. Shows excellent contact balance and generally maintains a solid base through the play. Can hold the point of attack against double-teams when two-gapping. Gives good effort in the passing game, and is disruptive enough that he can command double-teams and create opportunities for teammates. Lateral quickness and footwork allow him to function effectively on stunts/games. Very active with his hands, with an effective swipe move. Flashes a nice spin move/counter. Athleticism is good enough that he took the occasional drop into short zones on fire zone concepts.
Negatives:
Is a fifth-year senior with really only two seasons of extensive playing time, both of which came in rotations. Pad level can be a bit higher than you’d like for a nose tackle given his height, and will occasionally get upright out of his stance, rather than firing out low. Would like to see him play with a tick more patience in the run game, as he can run himself out of the occasional play on early downs. Length gives him an impressive radius, but leaves opportunities on the table because he isn’t the most reliable finisher as a tackler. There are some snaps on tape where he doesn’t seem to have the clearest plan as a pass-rusher, and gets stuck on blocks when his initial move is unsuccessful. Missed most of this past season with a foot injury (although he did return toward the end of the year), and has had previous foot injuries as well, so pre-draft medicals could be important.
Summary:
A tall, thickly-built player with an impressive work rate, much better quickness than typical for his size, and plenty of functional strength, he has the versatility to play virtually anywhere along the defensive line, which should appeal to teams who like to mix things up schematically. At this point, health seems to be the biggest question mark, especially after he missed most of this past season with injury. If he checks out medically, he could draw some first-round interest, and it’s hard to imagine a player with his tools getting past the second round.
Projection: Round 1-2
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