Banks lands in back end of USA TODAY first-round NFL mock draft
Caleb Banks is a projected first-rounder in the 2026 NFL draft by several outlets. Here's where USA TODAY sees the former Florida Gator going.
Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks continues to be featured in first-round mock drafts across the country. The latest comes from NFL trending reporter Ayrton Ostly at USA TODAY Sports , who has the Houston Texans selecting Banks with the 28th overall pick. "Houston’s defense is one of the scariest units in the NFL and should be that once again in 2026, but they have a need on the interior," Ostly said.
"Banks could shore that up in a big way. A foot injury at the combine may drop his stock, but he’s one of the best at the position in the class at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds. " Banks returned to Florida for his senior year after being a projected high-round pick in the 2025 draft cycle.
He didn't get to play most of the season, recovering from an injury, but he finished the year with three tackles and three pressures over 94 snaps on the defensive line. Pro Football Focus gave him a 68. 8 overall defensive grade, a 68.
5 run-defense grade, a 25. 2 tackling grade, a 64. 2 pass-rush grade and a 59.