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Florida Defensive lineman Caleb Banks was one of the biggest risers coming out of the first day of workouts at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, according to ESPN's Matt Miller.
The senior defensive lineman tied for the highest grade among defensive tackles at the combine with a 6.39 — Ohio State's Kayden McDonald being the other. NFL NextGen Stats ranks him fifth with a total score of 71 and an athleticism score of 77.
"Banks didn't need to finish the on-field workouts to rank as one of Thursday's winners," Miller said. "The 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle wowed with a 32-inch vertical jump and a 5.05-second 40. Banks missed most of last season because of a foot injury, but his upside is through the roof. He could have moved into the first round with his times Thursday."
The Detroit, Michigan, native came to Florida in 2023 after spending two seasons at Louisville. He appeared in all 12 games that season, starting 11, and recorded 19 tackles (seven solo), 1.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. Across 10 starts in 2024, Banks totalled 21 tackles (10 solo), seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Banks entered the 2025 season as a Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Award watch list member — both awarded to the most outstanding defensive player in the country. As Miller mentioned, injury limited him to just three games played, affecting his draft stock. A strong combine performance was necessary for Banks to return to Round 1 consideration, and he got the job done.
Banks did not participate in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle or bench press.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football Caleb Banks named a top riser at NFL combine by ESPN
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The senior defensive lineman tied for the highest grade among defensive tackles at the combine with a 6.39 — Ohio State's Kayden McDonald being the other. NFL NextGen Stats ranks him fifth with a total score of 71 and an athleticism score of 77.
"Banks didn't need to finish the on-field workouts to rank as one of Thursday's winners," Miller said. "The 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle wowed with a 32-inch vertical jump and a 5.05-second 40. Banks missed most of last season because of a foot injury, but his upside is through the roof. He could have moved into the first round with his times Thursday."
The Detroit, Michigan, native came to Florida in 2023 after spending two seasons at Louisville. He appeared in all 12 games that season, starting 11, and recorded 19 tackles (seven solo), 1.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. Across 10 starts in 2024, Banks totalled 21 tackles (10 solo), seven tackles for a loss, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Banks entered the 2025 season as a Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Award watch list member — both awarded to the most outstanding defensive player in the country. As Miller mentioned, injury limited him to just three games played, affecting his draft stock. A strong combine performance was necessary for Banks to return to Round 1 consideration, and he got the job done.
Caleb Banks Combine Results
- 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds (8th among DTs)
- 10-yard split: 1.76 seconds (9th)
- Vertical jump: 32 inches (7th)
- Broad jump: 9 feet 6 inches (2nd)
Banks did not participate in the 3-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle or bench press.
Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football Caleb Banks named a top riser at NFL combine by ESPN
Continue reading...
