Caleb Banks

NFL Draft Profile: Caleb Banks

Position: Defensive Line (DT/3-Tech) | School: Florida | Class: Redshirt Senior

Height: 6'6" | Weight: 330 lbs | Archetype: Pass Rusher (Interior)

College Career Summary

Caleb Banks is the quintessential "traits" prospect. After two seasons at Louisville, Banks transferred to Florida where his rare physical profile—massive height combined with over 35-inch arms—made him a matchup nightmare. His 2024 season was his true breakout, leading the Gators in quarterback pressures (29) and showing elite "game-wrecker" potential. However, his 2025 campaign was a frustrating test of Mental Toughness. A fractured foot suffered in fall camp limited him to only three starts. Rather than shutting it down for the draft, Banks made a "Team Player" return for the final two games, cementing his status as a high-character competitor despite the medical red flags.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 34 (Starts at Florida: 14)

• Total Tackles: 48

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 10.5

• Sacks: 6.5

• Quarterback Pressures: 59

• Forced Fumbles: 3

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Note: Banks missed 9 games due to a fractured foot.

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
No. 3 LSU	0 Tackles, 29 Def Snaps	C+	Season debut; clearly limited by injury. Re-aggravated foot during the game.
No. 20 Tennessee	3 Tackles, 37 Def Snaps	B+	Inspiring return from surgery. Held point of attack well despite missing game shape.
Florida State	3 Tackles, 1.0 TFL, 1 FR	A-	Best game of the year. Active hands led to a fumble recovery; dominant in the rivalry win.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Elite Physical Tools: At 6'6" with 35+ inch arms, he is the "longest" interior lineman in the class. He creates "major shock" at the point of attack, often resetting the line of scrimmage with a single punch.

• Pass Rush Upside: Unlike traditional 330 lb players, Banks has the lateral agility of a smaller man. His Acceleration allows him to win on "swim" and "club" moves before guards can latch.

• High Motor: Despite his size and injury status, his Stamina and effort in pursuit are notable. He rarely takes plays off, even when fatigued.

• Scheme Versatility: Has the size to play 1-tech but the twitch to be an elite 3-tech penetrator.

Weaknesses

• Injury History: The fractured foot is a significant concern. Teams will scrutinize his medicals at the Combine to ensure long-term Durability.

• Technical Inconsistency: His pad level naturally rises due to his 6'6" frame. When he plays "high," he loses the leverage battle and can be washed out by double teams.

• Tackling Finish: He creates a massive amount of "chaos" and pressures, but he sometimes misses the "finishing" tackle in the backfield.

Scheme Fit: Best as a Single-Gap Penetrator (3-Tech) in a 4-3 front that prizes disruption over "space-eating."

NFL Comparison: Alim McNeill (Lions) / Arik Armstead (Style-wise)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 17/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 18/20 | IQ: 15/20 Final Grade: 85/100

Caleb Banks is a polarizing "boom-or-bust" prospect. If he stays healthy, his physical ceiling is an All-Pro interior disruptor. However, his limited tape in 2025 and history of lower-body injuries add risk. Because NFL teams value interior pass-rushers almost as much as EDGE rushers, his "Star" potential will likely keep him in the early conversation. He is a high-upside pick for a team that can afford to let him refine his leverage.

Draft Projection: Late 1st Round / Early 2nd Round