Caleb Banks didn’t get the senior season he hoped for at Florida. A broken foot in fall camp derailed what was shaping up to be a big year, and after re-aggravating the injury against LSU in mid-September, he was sidelined for most of 2025. But fast forward to Senior Bowl week, and Banks is making up for lost time in a big way - and NFL scouts are taking notice.
Now, the 6-foot-6, 330-pound defensive lineman is climbing draft boards again, with some projections placing him squarely in the top 10. One recent mock draft has him landing at No. 9 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs - a team that could be looking to reload on the defensive front.
Let’s break down why.
First, the Chiefs find themselves in a bit of a tricky spot in this particular mock draft scenario. The top offensive linemen are off the board.
So are key prospects like Rueben Bain Jr. and Jeremiyah Love. That opens the door for Kansas City to pivot - and Banks fits the mold of a high-upside defensive lineman who could thrive next to a veteran like Chris Jones.
What makes Banks such an intriguing prospect is the rare combination of size, length, and raw power. Even after missing most of the 2025 season, he showed up at the Senior Bowl and reminded everyone why he was viewed as a potential top-15 pick heading into the year. Over the final two days of practice, he turned heads with his explosiveness off the snap and his ability to disrupt from the interior - traits that are hard to find in a player with his frame.
And while the injury limited his tape last season, Banks did manage to return late in the year, suiting up for Florida’s final two games. He made the most of those appearances, logging six tackles and a fumble recovery against Tennessee and Florida State - a small sample size, but one that showed he could still make an impact on the field.
It’s also worth remembering what he did as a junior in 2024. That season, Banks was a steady force on the Gators’ defensive line, racking up 21 total tackles (10 solo), 4.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. That kind of production, paired with his physical tools, makes him a compelling option for teams in need of interior help.
For the Chiefs, a player like Banks could be more than just a depth piece - he could be a long-term anchor next to Chris Jones, or potentially his eventual successor. Kansas City’s defense has leaned heavily on Jones’ ability to wreck games from the inside, and adding another big-bodied disruptor to the mix would only make that front more dangerous.
Of course, the medicals will be key. Teams will want to be sure Banks is fully recovered from the foot injury and ready to handle the rigors of an NFL season. But if his Senior Bowl performance is any indication, he’s trending in the right direction - and fast.
The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off April 23 in Pittsburgh. If Caleb Banks continues to build momentum, don’t be surprised if he hears his name called early - and don’t be shocked if it’s the Chiefs who make the call.