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First-round NFL Draft buzz continues for Florida defender

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender10 hours agoCorey_Bender
Caleb-Banks-Florida-Gators
Florida DL Caleb Banks. (Photo by Victoria Riccobono/UAA Communications)

CBS Sports released its latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft on Tuesday, with Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks still being viewed as one of the top prospects in the class. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound senior landed at No. 21 overall to the Los Angeles Chargers, even after playing just one game this season due to injury.

“Banks played just one game this season before going down with a foot injury against LSU, but his physical profile still jumps off the page. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, the Florida native brings rare size, power, and versatility for an interior defender,” CBS wrote.

“When healthy, he’s flashed the kind of disruptive presence that can take over games. There’s some risk here — but the upside is intriguing enough for Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter to bet on.”

Before his injury, Banks was going to anchor Florida’s defensive line and build on a breakout 2024 campaign. Last season, the Louisville transfer posted 21 tackles, including seven for loss, along with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His size, power and ability to disrupt from the interior made him one of the Gators’ most consistent defensive playmakers.

It’s also worth noting Caleb Banks was once listed as a projected top-15 pick by ESPN. That was just prior to the season. Even though his injury has changed that outlook, CBS Sports and ESPN still view him as a first-round talent. It’s another sign that scouts continue to believe in his upside when healthy.

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