The NFL Scouting Combine is a whirlwind of activity, and for those in the thick of it-players, coaches, and front office personnel-it’s even more intense. Beyond the on-field drills, it's a crucial time for teams to meet with prospects and start building relationships.
Take the Cincinnati Bengals, for instance. They were the 22nd team to sit down with Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks.
Banks made waves at the Senior Bowl, boosting his draft stock after a rocky Senior season plagued by lower leg injuries. His knack for getting to the quarterback is undeniable, but the key questions are whether he can translate that to the NFL and maintain his health.
Banks is generating some first-round buzz, though picking him at No. 10 might be a stretch due to his injury history. Still, players with similar concerns have slipped in the past, and the Bengals could be considering him as part of a trade-back strategy.
Standing at an imposing 6’6 and 330 pounds, Banks boasts the kind of athleticism that would make many edge rushers envious. The challenge for him will be to address consistency issues and prove he can stay healthy throughout his career.