Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks emerges as a top NFL prospect, eyed by a historic AFC powerhouse for a potential first-round selection.
Florida isn't projected to be well represented in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
After a 4-8 record last season, that shouldn't be too surprising.
New head coach Jon Sumrall is busy this spring trying to reshape the program into a legitimate contender in the SEC. He's taking as much advice as he can from former UF head coach Urban Meyer in the process.
With that being said, the Gators weren't completely devoid of talent last season.
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks has the best chance of being the first player from Florida off the board in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he'll likely go in the first round.
The six-foot-six, 330-pound athlete started his career at Louisville in 2022 before transferring to Florida in 2023. He finished his college career with 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
In his mock draft following the first wave of free agency, Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz of USA Today projected the Pittsburgh Steelers to take Banks with the No. 21 pick as a player who could eventually replace Cameron Heyward.
"Another shift here, as the Steelers followed up their trade for receiver Michael Pittman Jr. by bringing aboard cornerback Jamel Dean," he wrote. "With those two positions handled, why not turn to a defensive line that's been far too reliant on soon-to-be 37-year-old Cameron Heyward?
"Banks isn't a finished product yet, but Heyward could mentor the 6-6, 327-pounder and help him make the most of his disruptiveness off the line of scrimmage."
Of course, where Banks lands could be subject to change due to an injury the defensive lineman suffered at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, this month.
Per Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Banks suffered a broken foot that will keep him out of OTAs until June.
"Sources: DT Caleb Banks suffered a broken foot at the Combine that will sideline him until June," Brugler wrote.
"The injury happened the night before his on-field testing. He performed a partial workout not knowing the extent of the injury. The fracture of the fourth metatarsal was surgically repaired by Dr. Norman Waldrop on March 9."
The injury could be a setback for the talented defensive tackle.
However, Banks has proven his worth on the field. If teams aren't concerned about his long-term prospects, he still should be in the running to be taken in the first round of the draft. After all, he'd just be missing rookie minicamp and voluntary OTAs.