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Broncos snag first-round talent with pick No. 62 in Mel Kiper's latest mock draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NFL Draft will open in just over one week. The Denver Broncos will not have a selection in the first round next Thursday night and will instead wait until the latter part of Friday's second round to make their first choice, barring a trade.
As the mock drafts continue to trickle in, one thing is starting to look clear: The Broncos could have a real chance to draft Caleb Banks with pick No. 62. In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. has that very thing happening.
"Welcome to the draft, Denver! With a pretty deep roster, the Broncos can afford to take a little bit of a risk. Banks' talent is more in line with Round 1, but he is dealing with yet another foot injury, which could keep him on the board until the middle part of Day 2. Banks is a disruptive presence on the interior, and he can stuff the run at 6-6 and 327 pounds. With John Franklin-Myers leaving in free agency, coordinator Vance Joseph could use someone like Banks on the inside.
The other position to watch here is tight end; Evan Engram is entering the final year of his deal", wrote Kiper.
Kiper is, of course, the NFL draft guru, so fans tend to put a bit more stock in the picks he makes. In my most recent mock draft, Banks is also the player I have the team taking.
Caleb Banks makes perfect sense for Broncos in second round of draft
This would be a terrific pick for the team. With a top-tier roster already, the Broncos have some wiggle room to take a chance on a prospect or two. But in the case of Banks, it's not a huge risk. His talent is evident. If not for his injury history, he would be selected in the first round of this draft.
How serious is the injury history?
Banks missed all but two games for the Gators last season after suffering a foot injury in training camp. That knocked his draft status down, but that status took another hit when he broke the fourth metatarsal bone in his foot at the NFL scouting combine in February.
What you see on film from Banks is a raw prospect with a lot to learn and unlock at the next level, but he's a top-notch athlete and at 6-foot-6, could be a player who can wreak havoc against offenses in the near future. He hasn't come close to realizing his ceiling as a football player and the Broncos could turn him into a starter for the next 10 years. He can be that good.
At pick No. 62, teams should be looking for the prospects that fall down the board and then see if they can land a massive value, particularly if they are a contender with the ability to take a chance here and there. Banks fits that description perfectly.
DRAFT NEWS:Broncos should consider trading up into round 3 of draft if these prospects fall
If he is still on the board at pick No. 62 — and things seem to be trending in that direction if you put any stock in mock drafts — the Broncos need to strongly consider calling his name on draft night.
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