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ESPN: Caleb Banks’ size and upside push him into Round 1

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender7 hours agoCorey_Bender

Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks picked up a major boost on Wednesday when ESPN’s Field Yates projected him as a first-round pick in the newest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. Yates placed Banks at No. 26 overall to the San Francisco 49ers, giving the former Gator one of his strongest national projections since declaring for the draft.

Banks’ 2025 season ended early after he fractured his foot, limiting him to only three games and 90 total snaps. Even with the injury, he has stayed on the radar for NFL teams because of his size, reach and raw power.

At over 6-foot-5 with long arms and natural strength at the point of attack, Banks has always carried high upside. His frame and flashes of disruption kept him in first-round conversations even without a full season of production.

Yates highlighted that potential in his full evaluation of Banks.

Field Yates sounds off on Caleb Banks

“Simply put, the 49ers need more disruptors on defense. They currently rank dead last in sacks (16), 30th in pass rush win rate (29.3%) and 30th in pressures (111). The injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams obviously impacted that, but the defensive line could still use more help in 2026.

“Banks’ evaluation is a little tricky because he logged just 90 snaps in three games this season before fracturing his foot. He has a huge frame, with over 35-inch arms, and generates major shock at the point of attack. Banks is the type of player that could help the 49ers put teams into less favorable passing situations.”

Notable honors and award

Banks also leaves Florida with several notable honors. He opened the 2025 season on the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Lott IMPACT Award watch lists. He was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in Week 13 of the 2024 season and earned SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll recognition in both 2023 and 2024.

Now more healthy and preparing for the draft, Banks will look to back up the early first-round projection at the NFL Combine and during workouts leading up the draft.

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