Florida's Caleb Banks Projected as 2nd-Round Pick for Super Bowl Contender

There is no doubt that Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks has the talent to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. 

He was a monster on the Gators defense. However, there has been concern about his draft stock as Banks recovers from a foot injury he suffered during the NFL Combine in Indianapolis earlier this year.

Banks was projected to be a top 10 pick before suffering the injury. He has now had his second surgery in six months to repair a fracture.

Dane Brugler of The Athletic thinks Banks could drop out of the first round because of the injury. If the New York Jets were to select the defensive tackle at No. 44, head coach Aaron Glenn would get a steal for his defense.

ESPN's Mel Kiper recently predicted a worse outcome for Banks in terms of draft selection. He has Banks falling to the Denver Broncos with the No. 62 pick if head coach Sean Payton chooses not to add a tight end with the pick.

"Welcome to the draft, Denver!" Kiper wrote. "With a pretty deep roster, the Broncos can afford to take a little bit of a risk. Banks' talent is more in line with Round 1, but he is dealing with yet another foot injury, which could keep him on the board until the middle part of Day 2.

"Banks is a disruptive presence on the interior, and he can stuff the run at 6-6 and 327 pounds. With John Franklin-Myers leaving in free agency, coordinator Vance Joseph could use someone like Banks on the inside."

The Broncos made the AFC championship last season, losing to the New England Patriots when backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham had to replace Bo Nix as the starter for that contest.

Denver lost the game 10-7 in snowy conditions. The Broncos defense was certainly not an issue in the playoffs, and Banks would land in a good position in the league if Denver were to select him in the second round.

Banks would be an ideal rookie replacement for Franklin-Myers, and would be a steal if he fell all the way to the Broncos on Day 2.