Caleb Banks optimistic about NFL future despite missing Gators Pro Day
· Yahoo Sports
GAINESVILLE — Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was sweating and short of breath after going end zone to end zone during Gators Pro Day.
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Making the 100-yard trek across the Gary Condron Family Indoor Practice Facility to meet with reporters required significant effort from the 6-foot-6, 327-pound Banks.
While former teammates ran 40-yard dashes, performed 3-cone agility drills and were put through the paces by all 32 NFL teams, Banks could only watch and offer encouragement — his left leg supported by a knee scooter as he recovers from foot surgery.
“I know that if I was out there doing drills, they’d be supporting me,” he said. “Being a player, I know you need somebody in your corner standing for you. So I’m happy for those guys going out there, doing their thing.
“Hopefully, everybody’s dreams come true.”
Banks’ own dream will be delayed, but he insists it won’t be derailed.
The 22-year-old is recovering from surgery March 9 to repair a fracture fourth metatarsal — the same foot that limited him to three games in 2025. The injury resurfaced on the eve of his scheduled appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Once projected as a possible first-round pick, Banks may now have to wait a longer to hear his name called. Still, he does not believe the setback has significantly damaged his standing with decision-makers.
“I don’t think that it undercuts my value,” he said. “I don’t think that it did anything detrimental to my draft stock.”
Instead, Banks is focused on recovery and maintaining perspective.
“I’m staying grounded, like, it happened,” he said. “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.”
Banks has already exceeded his expectations.
The Detroit native transferred to Florida after playing just two games and 38 snaps in 2022 at Louisville. He recorded19 tackles (1.5 for loss) during 12 games, including 11 starts, during his first season with the Gators in 2023.
He broke out late in 2024, highlighted by a 2 1/2-sack day during Florida’s upset of No. 9 Ole Miss.
“That was my best game,” he recalled Thursday. “But I’m bringing 10 times more than that for the team that drafts me.”
A clean bill of health will be critical.
Banks initially injured his foot during fall camp and re-injured it in his 2025 season debut Sept. 13 at LSU. Rather than rest, recover and focus on his NFL future, he pushed to return for the final two games, beginning Nov. 18 against Tennessee in the Swamp.
He made an impact in limited action and later displayed both promise and inconsistency during Senior Bowl practices in January.
“He was hit and miss, like he was throughout most of his college career,” draft analyst Tony Pauline of essentiallysports.com told the Orlando Sentinel.
The combine injury raised additional concerns.
Banks felt something pop while preparing for drill but initially believed it was a muscle — not a metatarsal bone. The following day, he realized the severity — yet still completed testing, running the 40 in 5.01 seconds, posting a 9-feet-6 broad jump and a 32-inch vertical.
“I started feeling it really, really bad, after the first 40,” he said.
Pauline still projects Banks as a mid-second-round pick, provided he continues progressing and ease medical concerns. His athleticism and effort at his size remain appealing.
“He’s not a finesse guy, but he’s more of a quick, explosive guy,” Pauline said.
NFL teams are clearly interested.
Banks has visited the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals, with upcoming visits scheduled with the Tennessee Titans, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers and his hometown Detroit Lions.
Banks said he’s enjoyed the pre-draft process — aside from one challenge.
“It’s fun until you gotta fly,” he said. “I don’t like airplanes. The first 10 seconds of the flight is the worst for me. I put my headphones in, listen to some Rod Wave, kind of just flow with it.
“But it’s really, really bad.”
If Banks can convince teams he’s healthy and will be more consistent, he stock could soar again.
“It’s team to team,” Pauline said. “One team will be OK with (his injury history). Another team could red flag him. It will depend on whether he’s gonna be ready for camp or not.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at [email protected]