Caleb Banks Turns Heads Ahead of NFL Draft, Projected to Land with Ravens
Caleb Banks didn’t need a full season to remind scouts why he’s one of the most intriguing defensive linemen in this year’s NFL Draft class. The Florida Gators standout may have missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, but his performance at the Senior Bowl was more than enough to reignite his first-round buzz. Now, he’s projected to go 14th overall to the Baltimore Ravens - and that pairing could be a problem for AFC offenses.
At 6-foot-6, Banks brings a rare blend of size, length, and explosiveness that NFL teams covet in a modern defensive tackle. He’s not just a space-eater - he’s a disruptor.
During his breakout 2024 campaign, Banks posted 21 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. He was constantly in the backfield, blowing up run plays and collapsing pockets.
That kind of production, especially in the SEC, doesn’t happen by accident.
While injuries limited him to just three games in 2025 - where he still managed to tally six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery - his short stint on the field was enough to confirm what scouts already believed: Banks can play at the next level. And his Senior Bowl showing only solidified that belief. He flashed elite traits during practice sessions and in-game reps, showing he could hold the point of attack against the run and generate interior pressure, two must-haves for any defense looking to control the line of scrimmage.
Enter the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore is entering a new era under head coach Jesse Minter, who takes over after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Minter is known for his aggressive, multiple-front schemes - systems that thrive on versatile, high-motor linemen like Banks.
If the Ravens do pull the trigger at No. 14, Banks could be a foundational piece for Minter’s defense, offering both immediate impact and long-term upside.
The Ravens have long prided themselves on building through defense, and with veterans aging and contracts expiring, the need to reload up front is real. Banks fits that mold: a high-ceiling player with the physical tools to be a force against both the run and the pass. He’s the kind of player who can anchor a defensive line and elevate the players around him.
As for Florida, the Gators struggled in 2025, finishing 4-8 in a season marred by inconsistency and injuries - including Banks’ absence for most of the year. But there’s new energy in Gainesville with the hiring of Jon Sumrall, who led Tulane to a 20-8 record and a College Football Playoff appearance over the past two seasons. While Banks won’t be part of that next chapter, his departure marks a bright spot for the program - proof that even in a down year, elite talent can still rise to the top.
There’s still a long way to go before the draft, with the NFL Combine and pro days on the horizon. But if Banks continues trending upward, don’t be surprised if he hears his name called early on Day 1. And if it’s the Ravens making that call, their already formidable defense might be getting even scarier.