Now that we are past the Super Bowl, we look ahead toward the 2026 NFL Draft. This weekly series will take a closer look at some of the prospects the Carolina Panthers could select in the 2026 iteration of the Draft. In this series, we’ll only be looking at prospects the Panthers could seriously consider. This week our profile will focus on Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks.
Bio
After being overlooked following a very good high school career, Banks committed to Louisville and redshirted his
freshman year. An uninspiring tenure with the Cardinals led to Banks transferring to Florida, where he almost immediately began to flourish. He broke out in his redshirt junior season, notching 4.5 sacks and 29 quarterback pressures. Banks returned to the Gators for his redshirt senior season, but nagging injuries limited his availability throughout the year. Banks was invited to the Senior Bowl, where he dominated, hopefully proving that he is completely healthy.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Banks is close to the type of defensive tackle you would build in a lab. He’s every bit of 6’6” and 330 lbs. In addition to his intimidating size, Banks also has insane athleticism. His burst off the line and fluidity when rushing the passer are on the same level as some of the best edge defenders who weigh 50 to 75 pounds less. That athleticism also allowed positional versatility, as Florida lined Banks up everywhere from nose to wide nine. Banks showed flashes of dominance and game-wrecking potential, including a two game stretch in 2024 where he totaled 14 quarterback pressures against LSU and Ole Miss.
The biggest knock on Banks has been consistency. His sack production has not lived up to the athletic traits, and his nagging injuries have led to some availability concerns moving forward. Lower leg injury history on guys his size is concerning for some teams. Banks also struggles with processing and technique at times. His tackling technique gets problematic, especially when gassed, and his pass rush arsenal is limited at best.
Projection
Banks is starting to get some first round buzz, especially after a dominant Senior Bowl performance. He’s the ultimate high ceiling, low floor prospect. By all accounts, he is coachable and has a fantastic motor. Teams may see that potential and willingness to learn as a precursor to Banks eventually reaching his potential. He probably won’t be able to man the nose at the NFL level, but using him as a three technique pass rusher could see him have some instant impact on Sundays. Similar to Peter Woods, where Banks gets drafted depends on where teams land on the boom versus bust calculation, ranging from the middle of the first round to the middle of day two.
The Panthers desperately need pass rush, and whether it comes from the edge position or the interior should not matter. Banks is the type of player who could feast off one-on-one opportunities as teams prioritize blocking Derrick Brown. He has also shown the ability to anchor against the run when not tired, and Ejiro Evero loves to rotate his hog mollies. Banks could provide some pass rush spark, and his frame would make it tough for opposing quarterbacks to see the field with him bearing down on them. If A’Shawn Robinson is a cap casualty for the Panthers, Banks could step into that role.
What do you think, Panthers fans? If Caleb Banks is available when the Panthers select in the 2026 NFL Draft, should they take him? Sound off in the comments!
