Caleb Banks made sure to quiet any remaining doubters at the NFL Combine

There aren't many players in the upcoming NFL Draft that have had a better offseason than Caleb Banks. 

After dealing with injuries for most of the 2025 season, the defensive tackle has shown everyone his potential through a dominant week of practice at the Senior Bowl and a performance at the NFL Combine that should have solidified his status as a first-round pick and possibly see him selected in the top 10.

Banks was expected to be an All-SEC-caliber performer in 2025, but he could never get out of the starting block because of the injuries. However, Banks did have a standout performance in 2024 with 21 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble. Those numbers were often mentioned as an example of what Banks is capable of doing when he's healthy. It didn't hurt that he was tossing guys around during Senior Bowl practices.

Updated mock drafts have Caleb Banks in the top half of the first round

Several mock drafts have been posted since the combine ended and, if they are close to form, Banks will likely be selected among the first 15 players. Nate Davis from USA Today is one of the mocks that has Banks going 14th overall to the Baltimore Ravens. 

Ryan Wilson with CBS Sports also has Banks going 14th overall to the Ravens and adds the following:

"The Ravens struggled to stop the run last season, and even with Nnamdi Madubuike at full health, there is room for a game-wrecker like Banks along the defensive line."

With Baltimore bringing in Jesse Minter, a former defensive coordinator with the Chargers, it makes sense for them to focus on that side of the ball and build a stronger group up front.

Trevor Sikkema from PFF has Banks going ninth overall to the Chiefs, believing that a combination of Banks and Chris Jones would make the Kansas City defensive line one of the more formidable in the league.