Florida DL Caleb Banks projects as top-10 pick in post-Senior Bowl PFF mock draft
By David Wasson
Published:
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks was slowed by injury during his final season in Gainesville in 2025, but his stellar Senior Bowl-week efforts now have him as a potential top-10 selection come draft day.
Pro Football Focus released a mock draft of the first round Monday, with Banks projected as the No. 9 overall selection to the Kansas City Chiefs when the 2026 NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh.
“The board didn’t fall favorably for the Chiefs in this mock, with Rueben Bain Jr., Jeremiyah Love and the best two offensive linemen all gone,” PFF’s Trevor Sikkema wrote. “They could pick a cornerback, but I think they may look at the defensive line. Banks didn’t play much in 2025 due to a foot injury, but on the final two days of Senior Bowl practices, he reminded us why he was seen as a potential top-15 pick heading into the season. His size and length — 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds — are very alluring to pair with Chris Jones.”
Banks missed all but two games in 2025 due to a broken foot sustained in fall camp, an injury he re-aggravated against LSU on Sept. 13. He returned to action in Florida’s final two games of the season, notching six total tackles and a fumble recovery against Tennessee and Florida State.
Banks’ junior season in 2024 was a stellar one, as he made 21 total tackles (10 solo) and 4½ sacks with a forced fumble.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
