Malcolm Roach, Denver Broncos
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Malcolm Roach #97 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a stop against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Denver Broncos have built one of the best rosters in the NFL, and the draft has been critical to that. Fittingly, then, the Broncos could be looking to take advantage of recent developments regarding Caleb Banks.
The Broncos traded out of the first round to land star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins.
However, Banks could still slip, and the Broncos could be tempted as he gets closer to them.
Broncos Eyeing Florida’s Caleb Banks
Caleb Banks, Denver Broncos
GettyCaleb Banks #88 of the Florida Gators celebrates a defensive stop against the LSU Tigers.
“#Gators DL Caleb Banks has had 30 visits with the #Chiefs, #Ravens and #Cardinals so far,” 247 Sports’ Zach Goodall reported on X on March 26. “Will soon visit the #Lions, #Titans, #Broncos, #Falcons and #Chargers.”
The Broncos lost starter John Franklin-Myers to the Titans in free agency.
Denver still boasts one of the best interior defensive linemen in the game in veteran All-Pro Zach Allen.
They also have several options on hand to replace him, with top reserve Malcolm Roach expected to combine with 2025 third-round draft pick Sai’vion Jones, and former undrafted free agent Eyioma Uwazurike to do so.
Banks offers a tantalizing combination of traits for teams like the Broncos.
Caleb Banks an Enticing Prospect
DT Caleb Banks
GettyCaleb Banks DL#02 runs the 40-yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
Given his large size and plus-athleticism in the trenches, Banks profiles as a strong fit for the Broncos’ attacking defense, which has led the NFL in sacks in each of the past two regular seasons.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to fellow former Gator Gervon Dexter Sr., now of the Chicago Bears.
“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,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile in February.
“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. His traits and flashes at the Senior Bowl make him an enticing prospect, but injury concerns are a potential stumbling block for him.”
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler offered a similar outlook, making note of Banks’ injury history.
“Yes, Banks missed most of the 2025 season because of an injury and is still learning how to maximize his talent,” Brugler wrote in February. “It is hard to find 6-foot-6, 335-pound athletes with 35-inch arms and Banks’ level of ability. Teams liked seeing him get better and better throughout Senior Bowl week.”
Caleb Banks Suffered Setback
DT Caleb Banks
GettyCaleb Banks DL#02 completes a drill at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
All of that makes Banks intriguing, but he suffered a significant setback with his health that is the reason why the Broncos could have an opportunity to draft him.
“Sources: DT Caleb Banks suffered a broken foot at the Combine that will sideline him until June,” Brugler reported on X on March 12. “The injury happened the night before his on-field testing. He performed a partial workout not knowing the extent of the injury. The fracture of the fourth metatarsal was surgically repaired by Dr. Norman Waldrop on March 9.
“NFL teams have been informed.”
Banks spoke with reporters on Friday, saying that he expects to be ready to go by training camp and that he does not believe this latest injury has hurt his draft stock. That could mean Banks still comes off the board before the Broncos go on the clock.
The Broncos are wisely doing their due diligence, though, on the off-chance that teams picking ahead of them have been scared off Banks.