Despite injury, a dominant defensive tackle from Florida emerges as a top Jets draft prospect. His massive size could anchor their defense.
The Florida Gators made changes at head coach amid a disappointing 4-8 season.
Despite trying to improve their roster last offseason in the hopes of being a College Football Playoff contender, the Gators failed to make a bowl appearance.
New Florida head coach Jon Sumrall isn't thinking about bowl games. He wants to lead the Gators to a national championship.
Florida didn't live up to their hyped roster in 2025, but a key player on the defense could hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft.
In his mock draft released on Wednesday, ESPN's Field Yates has the New York Jets selecting defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 16 pick. Banks could be a first-round pick after his final season in college was hampered by injury.
"Quarterback was once again a consideration for the Jets, but they can afford to be patient with three first-round picks in 2027," Yates wrote. "The extremely talented Banks could pair with Reese and solidify their defensive cornerstones moving forward.
"Banks was limited to just three games this past season due to injury, but he showcased his upside during a dominant week of practice at the Senior Bowl. At 6-foot-6, 330 pounds with 35-inch arms, his overwhelming size should translate to the NFL level."
Yates thinks extremely highly of the defensive tackle, suggesting Banks has the potential to become a top-10 player in the 2026 class if he lands with a team that can develop his skillset.
Banks recorded six total tackles in 2025. He started his career with Louisville in 2022 before transferring to Florida in 2023.
The native of Detroit, Michigan, had his best season in 2024 when he recorded 21 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and one forced fumble. He finished his four-year college career with 48 total tackles, one pass defensed, 6.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
While New York needs a quarterback, head coach Aaron Glenn has plenty of holes on a roster that went 3-14 last season. Banks could be a key contributor for a Jets defense that needs to become a force before a quarterback has a chance to win games.