Colts pick in Yates' mock draft highlights balancing act for Chris Ballard
A post-free agency mock draft from Field Yates highlights the balancing act GM Chris Ballard faces.
ESPN's Field Yates put together his latest 2026 NFL mock draft following free agency, and with it being a two-rounder, the Indianapolis Colts were included. With that 47th overall pick, Yates had the Colts picking Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. Listed at 6-6, 330 pounds, Banks played in only three games last season.
In 2023 and 2024, he was a regular rotational member of the Florida defensive tackle unit. In those 2023 and 2024 seasons, Banks totaled 53 quarterback pressures and six sacks. Although his pressure numbers on their own won't leap off the stat sheet, Banks did rank 17th among all defensive ends in 2024 in pass rush win rate, showcasing his ability to win his one-on-one matchups consistently.
For what it's worth, he also graded out as an above-average run defender by PFF's metrics during that span as well. "Could Banks be long gone before this? It's possible, but Banks recently underwent a foot procedure and was limited to just three games in 2025," Yates wrote.
"He's 6-foot-6, 327 pounds and has 35-inch arms to give him pass-rushing upside. " Banks would immediately boost the Colts' defensive tackle rotation behind DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart. Also, looking ahead to 2027, none of the defensive tackles on the roster are under contract next season.