As Senior Bowl week wraps up in Mobile, Alabama, a few prospects have started to separate themselves from the pack-and one name that keeps surfacing is Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. After a strong showing in practice sessions, Banks is firmly on the radar for teams looking to beef up the interior of their defensive line ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Banks brought size, burst, and a disruptive presence to the trenches throughout the week. He consistently flashed the kind of traits that get NFL scouts circling a name on their boards-quick hands, a powerful first step, and the ability to penetrate gaps with authority. It’s the kind of performance that could vault him into first-round consideration, especially for teams in need of interior help.
One team that could be a particularly intriguing fit? The New York Jets.
With four picks in the top 50, the Jets are one of the best-positioned teams in the draft to maneuver up or down the board. And after trading Quinnen Williams to the Cowboys during the 2025 season, there’s a clear void in the heart of their defensive line.
Banks’ skillset could help fill that gap-literally and figuratively.
Of course, there’s a wrinkle to his draft stock. Banks played five years of college ball, starting his career at Louisville before transferring to Florida.
But his final season was cut short by a broken foot, limiting him to just three games. That injury throws a bit of uncertainty into the mix, especially when it comes to how teams evaluate his long-term durability and readiness for the next level.
That’s where the upcoming scouting combine and pro day workouts become critical. For Banks, those events won’t just be about showing he’s healthy-they’ll be about confirming the flashes of dominance we saw this week in Mobile. If he can put together a strong pre-draft process, there’s a real chance he hears his name called on Day 1.
Bottom line: Caleb Banks has the tools. He showed enough at the Senior Bowl to get people talking.
Now it’s about staying healthy, staying sharp, and continuing to rise. Because for teams like the Jets, who are in the market for a difference-maker up front, Banks is starting to look like a name worth watching closely.