With the month of March officially here, all 32 NFL franchises are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft. The scouting combine is officially in the rearview mirror, which means that teams have some additional clarity about what the 2026 draft class could look like and, more specifically, what players could be ideal fits in Dennis Allen's defense.
For the Chicago Bears, this year's draft will represent a significant opportunity to continue adding to the foundation that was established during the first year of the Ben Johnson-Ryan Poles era. Despite the presence of Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Shemar Turner on the roster, defensive tackle is still a need for Chicago.
With three picks inside the top 60, the Bears may decide that Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks is a name worth building around over the next few years.
Let's get into our scouting report on Banks.
Caleb Banks, Florida, (6-foot-6, 327 pounds)
From his NFL.com draft profile via Lance Zierlein:
"Big-framed, long-limbed interior defender whose play needs more polish to consistently match his traits. Banks has a quick first step. He can stun/control single blocks when his hand strikes are timely and accurate, but he needs faster disengagement to increase his tackle count. His high center of gravity allows double teams to generate displacement, so a move to odd-front end could be in his best interest as a run defender. Like a grappler without submission knowledge, Banks is still learning to unlock his physical advantages so he can turn them into sacks."
Film:
Strengths:
- Massive frame sticks out on film.
- Arm length is among the best in this draft class and will allow him to get around offensive linemen.
- Has a solid first step when exploding off the ball.
- Still continuing to improve as a pass rusher but the film shows a player who could be a real menace when generating pressure from the interior.
- Will eat up double teams and create opportunities for other players around him.
- Could play as an interior defender or edge rusher at the next level with his frame and versatility.
- High motor that's always humming, combined with his solid pursuit ability.
Weaknesses:
- Has yet to fully unlock all his tools as a defensive lineman.
- Needs to improve the angles he takes when trying to tackle the ball carrier.
- Inconsistent in terms of production over the last two years.
- Loses control of his hands when trying to shed blocks.
- Will struggle to diagnose run plays and shoot gaps to blowup plays in the backfield.
Does Banks fit the Bears defense?
Watching Banks on film, he should be a name that the Bears can consider drafting, but after missing part of the 2025 season with a foot injury, he has a lot of room to keep growing and developing. The traits and athleticism he possesses are among the best in this draft class at his position, but after five seasons in college, including two at the University of Louisville, he has yet to prove that he can put it all together and be a complete game wrecker.
The arm length, versatility, and his massive frame make him a fit as a prospect, but projecting what he can actually become means he could take a year or two to hit his stride, and Chicago may not be willing to wait so long.
Conclusion:
While Banks is a player who has had a lot of moments on tape, his foot injury that cut his final college season short was detrimental to his development, but he will have a lot of suitors as a prospect who can keep developing and become a building block for a team at the next level.
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