Caleb Banks Letting His Competitiveness Do the Talking Ahead of NFL Draft

A broken foot may have kept the Florida Gators defensive lineman from participating at Pro Day, but he is still making sure teams do not forget about him.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:35pm

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Caleb Banks, a former Florida Gators defensive lineman, is letting his competitive nature shine as he recovers from a foot injury that kept him from participating in the team's Pro Day. Banks, who was considered a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft before the injury, is confident that his draft stock will not suffer too much despite the setback. He has already met with 30 NFL teams and has more visits lined up, and is focused on getting healthy and proving his worth to potential suitors.

Why it matters

Banks' story highlights the challenges that injured players can face leading up to the NFL Draft, as they try to convince teams that they are worth the risk despite their injury history. His competitive spirit and determination to overcome the setback could make him an appealing option for teams looking to add a talented defensive lineman to their roster.

The details

Caleb Banks suffered a crack in his fourth metatarsal prior to the NFL Scouting Combine, which kept him from fully participating in the event. Despite the injury, he still managed to run a 5.04-second 40-yard dash, record a 32-inch vertical jump, and a nine-foot-six-inch broad jump. Banks could have sat out the rest of the season after Florida became ineligible for a bowl game, but he chose to play in the season finale against rival Florida State, showcasing his competitive nature. He has already met with 30 NFL teams and has more visits lined up, including with his hometown team, the Detroit Lions.

  • Banks suffered a crack in his fourth metatarsal prior to the NFL Scouting Combine.
  • Banks returned to play in Florida's season finale against Florida State, even though the team was already ineligible for a bowl game.
  • Banks is currently recovering from the foot injury and expects to be ready for OTAs in June.

The players

Caleb Banks

A former defensive lineman for the Florida Gators, who was considered a top prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft before suffering a series of foot injuries that limited him to just three games as a senior.

Florida Gators

The college football team that Caleb Banks played for, which was ineligible for a bowl game when he returned to play in the season finale against rival Florida State.

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What they’re saying

“I don't really think too much about that. I'm staying grounded, like, it happened, it happened. My story's already written. I'm kind of just taking it day by day. Wherever I land, that's where I'm supposed to land. So I'm not too bothered by it.”

— Caleb Banks, Florida Gators Defensive Lineman

“I'm a big guy to compete all the time, no matter what it is. Rock, paper, scissors. I'll play one of y'all right now. I promise you I'm gonna win.”

— Caleb Banks, Florida Gators Defensive Lineman

What’s next

Banks is expected to be fully recovered from his foot injury in time for OTAs in June, where he will have the opportunity to showcase his skills to NFL teams and continue to prove his worth as a potential draft pick.

The takeaway

Caleb Banks' competitive spirit and determination to overcome his injury setbacks have made him a compelling prospect for NFL teams leading up to the 2026 draft. Despite the challenges he has faced, Banks remains confident in his abilities and is focused on making the most of his opportunities to prove himself to potential suitors.