Buccaneers Weigh Risky First-Round Pick on Injured Florida DT Caleb Banks

Tampa Bay must decide whether to gamble on the talented but inconsistent defensive lineman coming off a lost 2025 season.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:36pm

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are considering selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with their first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, despite concerns about his injury history and inconsistent play. Banks, a 6'6", 330-pound lineman, had a strong 2024 season but missed most of 2025 with a foot injury. While he has impressive physical tools, his lack of recent game tape and advanced age (23) for a rookie raise questions about his potential upside and readiness for the NFL.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to bolster their defensive line, but taking Banks in the first round would be a risky move given the uncertainty around his development and ability to stay healthy. Tampa Bay will have to weigh the potential reward of landing an impact defensive tackle against the significant risk of the pick not panning out.

The details

Banks entered the 2025 season coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he recorded 4.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. However, he suffered a foot injury in mid-September that essentially ended his 2025 season, as he only played in 3 games. While he has impressive size, power, and athleticism for his frame, Banks has been inconsistent with his hand usage and burst off the line. At 23 years old, there are questions about how much more he can develop compared to younger prospects.

  • Banks suffered his foot injury in mid-September 2025.
  • Banks returned at the end of the 2025 season and played in 3 games.
  • Banks will turn 23 years old in a few weeks.

The players

Caleb Banks

A 6'6", 330-pound defensive tackle from the University of Florida who is entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Jason Licht

The general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

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