Florida DT Caleb Banks Drawing First-Round Buzz, Linked to Bears in Latest Mock Draft
As we inch closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, one name from the Florida Gators’ defense continues to generate serious buzz: Caleb Banks. The standout defensive tackle has been pegged as a potential late first-round pick, with the Chicago Bears emerging as a possible landing spot in a recent mock draft.
The Bears, coming off a season where their pass rush ranked 25th in the league by Pro Football Focus, are clearly in the market for difference-makers up front. That’s where Banks enters the conversation. Despite limited playing time this past season due to injury, his upside as a disruptive force on the interior line remains one of the more intriguing storylines heading into April.
Banks isn’t just another name on the board - he’s a high-ceiling defender who’s flashed the kind of traits NFL teams covet. According to the mock draft, Chicago could look to bolster its defensive identity by adding Banks, who piled up over 50 pressures across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. That’s the kind of production that doesn’t go unnoticed, especially from a player who’s still scratching the surface of his potential.
From Louisville to Gainesville: A Career on the Rise
Before he was anchoring the Gators’ defensive front, Banks began his college career at Louisville, where he spent two seasons carving out a role in the ACC. His decision to transfer to Florida in 2023 turned out to be a pivotal move - both for his development and his draft stock.
Initially a rotational piece in Florida’s defensive line rotation, Banks made his presence felt in 2023. But it was in 2024 when he truly broke out. That season, he racked up 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble over 12 games - a stat line that showcased both his explosiveness and ability to impact plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Unfortunately, his momentum hit a snag in 2025. A foot injury early in the season limited him to just six games, and he wasn’t able to build on his breakout campaign the way many had hoped. Still, even with the injury-shortened season, Banks wrapped up his college career with 48 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks - solid numbers for a player who spent much of his early career as a rotational contributor.
Senior Bowl Stock Riser
If there were any lingering questions about Banks’ health or readiness for the next level, he may have answered them at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. Multiple analysts came away impressed with his performance during the week, labeling him one of the event’s biggest “winners.” That kind of showing can go a long way in draft circles - especially for a player like Banks, whose tape already shows flashes of NFL-caliber disruption.
What makes Banks such an intriguing fit for a team like the Bears is his versatility. He’s not just a space-eater in the middle - he’s got the quickness and hand technique to win one-on-one matchups and collapse the pocket. For a defense looking to take that next step, especially in the trenches, he could be a valuable building block.
Looking Ahead
With the draft still a few months away, there’s plenty of time for boards to shift and evaluations to evolve. But as things stand, Caleb Banks has positioned himself as one of the more intriguing defensive tackle prospects in this class. If he lands in Chicago - or with any team in need of interior disruption - don’t be surprised if he makes an early impact.
He’s got the production, the physical tools, and now, the spotlight. The next step?
Proving he can stay healthy and bring that same fire to the next level. And if he does, he might just be one of the steals of the first round.