The NFL Draft is never a safe or easy event to predict. Countless hours of research and work go into evaluating these players, and at the end of the day, a 50 percent hit rate in the draft is considered highly successful. Choosing between production and traits is something that can get teams in trouble at times, but it can also pay off in a big way.
In 2016, the Chiefs traded out of the first round and selected a 6-6, 308-pound defensive tackle from an SEC school. He had limited college production, with 18 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in three seasons. That defensive tackle is, of course, Chris Jones, and he now has a spot waiting for him in Canton, Ohio. Sometimes, getting the tools right is more important than anything else. When you look at the progression Chris Jones has had in the league—not just his skill set, but his body—it’s easy to see why he’s turned into an All-Pro player.
Caleb Banks has several things in common with Chris Jones, and there’s a chance he could have similar upside. If the Chiefs are going to make the most out of this very important draft, they need to balance risk and reward. Banks might be the ultimate exercise in that balance.
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Caleb Banks | IDL | 6-6 330 LBS
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) January 17, 2026
Good size, strength, and quickness. Solid get-off, effective arm-over, and developing spin move, plus good change of direction. Concerns: High pad level, anchor issues, hand usage, tight hips, and a lingering foot injury
Shades of: Deone Walker pic.twitter.com/4q622ZVyHO
NFL Draft Profile: Caleb Banks, Interior Defensive Line, Florida
Age: 22 (on draft day)
Height: 6-6
Weight: 330 LBS
Tape Exposure: LSU (2025), Tennessee (2024), Kentucky (2024)
Shades of: Deone Walker
Caleb Banks' background
Banks grew up in Southfield, Michigan, where he played high school basketball and football. Rated as a three-star recruit, he originally committed to Arizona State before flipping to Louisville. As a freshman, he appeared in only one game, and as a sophomore, he appeared in just six games, logging one sack and one tackle for loss with the Cardinals. In 2023, he entered the transfer portal and committed to Florida as a four-star recruit. In three seasons with the Gators, he tallied 9.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. In 2025, he suffered a broken foot, which cost him most of the season, appearing in just three games.
What makes Caleb Banks a risk worth taking
Frame
Banks is an all-time “get off the bus” guy. His 6-6 frame and length show up on tape often. It’s easy to see why scouts envision him developing into a high-end talent. He moves very well laterally and has above-average speed to get into the backfield.
Pass Rush Tools
Despite limited production, Banks displays several tools to rush the passer. He uses an arm-over move to get releases on blockers. He has an explosive first step that helps him win reps almost instantly. He also leverages an inside spin move as a secondary pass-rush option.
Run Defense
Banks displays strong run defense with the ability to anchor against double teams. He was used at times as a nose guard or as a 4- or 5-technique against the run. In 2024, his best season, he was credited with 14 run stops via PFF and two forced fumbles. His power makes him a force against centers and guards.
Why there's reasons for concerns
Injury
Banks powered through a foot injury to try and play in 2025, but it ultimately ended his season. The few games he played in 2025 were underwhelming, which is understandable given he was playing through injury. At 330 lbs, foot injuries are always concerning. Getting a clean bill of health will be important for him during the draft process.
Missed Tackles
Banks might have the best “almost” highlight reel of any prospect in the class. There are several instances where, if he could finish the tackle or sack, his numbers would be far better. Realistically, a year of good health and conditioning might help resolve this. Going back to the Chris Jones comparison, if Banks could play closer to 300 lbs, the explosive nature of his game would improve and help him finish plays.
Pad height
As is the case with several 6-6 or taller defensive tackles, Banks is often very high in his stance, which costs him leverage. This shows up particularly in the run game, where he is moved off his spot too often. His length hurts his ability to play low and disrupt the line of scrimmage.
Where does Caleb Banks fit for the Chiefs
Unless the Chiefs add another first-round pick via trade, Banks doesn’t make much sense for them in Round 1. However, we’ve seen highly thought-of defensive tackles with foot injuries fall out of the first round before (Jer’Zahn Newton). With the Chiefs holding the 40th overall pick, could Banks still be on the board?
Banks in the second round is much more palatable, especially with what should be a strong pick at No. 9. Banks comes with risk, but there are traits worth gambling on beyond the first round. Despite being a fifth-year senior, he will still be just 22 on draft day. The upside of Banks is exciting, but the downside is real.
Caleb Banks is a physical specimen who flashes traits as a pass rusher and run defender. His inconsistencies with pad height, missed tackles, and health make him one of the tougher evaluations in the class. With growth, his game could become a wrecking force in the league or, at minimum, provide rotational depth against the run.
Round Grade: Green Chip (2nd Round Grade)