Unpacking Future Packers: No. 18, Florida DT Caleb Banks

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The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2026 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers have no first-round pick for the next two drafts due to their trade for Micah Parsons. Thanks again, Jerry Jones.

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With no first-round pick, it will be imperative that Brian Gutekunst continues to nail his second-round picks and continue to find gems like Zach Tom on Day 3 of the draft. It could also help if a player with first-round traits falls to the Packers in the second round. That very well could happen on April 24.

Caleb Banks, the Florida defensive tackle, was No. 19 on Dane Brugler's initial Top 50 back in August. Brugler, the NFL Draft analyst for The Athletic, released his mega draft guide, The Beast, and he has Banks ranked as the 52nd overall player.

Before the start of the season, Banks was viewed as a slam-dunk Top 40 player. Then he suffered a foot injury before the start of the season, forcing him to miss the first two games. He then returned, only to reinjure said ankle. He then worked his tail off to get back before the end of the season and played in the final two games.

During Senior Bowl Week, Banks reminded everyone why he was so highly regarded before the season. Then another foot injury occurred before the NFL Scouting Combine.

If Banks is still on the board when the Packers are on the clock with the 52nd overall pick, will they roll the dice? Will they feel comfortable taking a 327-pound defensive tackle with a history of foot injuries? What's Green Bay's risk tolerance?

A three-star recruit, Banks started his collegiate career at Louisville. During his two seasons with the Cardinals, he recorded one sack.

During his first season with the Gators, Banks recorded one sack. In 2024, Banks recorded seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. In three games this season, Banks recorded one tackle for loss.

To get the vision of what Banks could bring to the interior of Green Bay's defensive line, throw on the tape against LSU and Ole Miss in 2024. It was a two-week span in which Banks recorded 15 pressures, 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. He looked unblockable, particularly against Ole Miss.

The Florida defensive tackle has a rare combination of size (6-6, 327 pounds) and athleticism that simply can't be matched. He is dripping with talent and could be the active interior presence the Packers desperately need. Imagine him lining up with Parsons right next to him. To quote Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, "Good Luck."

Banks is a powerful defensive tackle with a quick first step. His blend of short-area explosiveness and his powerful frame can overwhelm offensive linemen. He generates push with a long arm move and has a devastating bullrush. He rushes the passer with violent hands. He displays good closing burst to the quarterback. 

"Banks' bread and butter is his pass rush repertoire, which is outstanding for his size," Max Bernstein, a reporter for The Alligator, said. "He has monstrous power, which he can use to overpower interior blockers. That, combined with his surprisingly sound technique in terms of hand usage and counter moves, helps him win consistently when rushing the passer. Even if he doesn't win with power on a rep, his unique explosiveness and quickness allow him to make plays other interior players cannot."

With his frame, he has the ability to clog up running lanes. Banks has nimble feet and stays balanced through contact. His length gives him a wide tackle radius. He’s able to stick his arms out and slow down ball carriers. When Banks plays with proper leverage, he’s able to rag-doll offensive linemen with his power. The Gator defensive tackle has the lateral agility to make plays up and down the line of scrimmage.

"At his size, Banks can effectively clog the lane and slow down runners," Bernstein said. "He shows an innate ability to shed and avoid blocks, and even when entangled in blocks, he can use his length to disengage and make plays. He also showcases a plus anchor, which helps him stay positionally solid and handle runs toward him."

Fit with the Packers

Even with the addition of Javon Hargrave, defensive tackle remains arguably the most pressing roster need for the Packers.

Banks would give the Packers an active interior presence that they desperately need. The question is, will they feel comfortable with his medicals? It's a risk, but the potential reward may be worth the gamble.

"Banks' health issues are nothing new, but when healthy, there is no interior defender in this draft with the sheer upside Banks possesses," Bernstein said. "His mix of size and athleticism is practically unheard of at his position, and that helps him possess Pro-Bowl level upside. At his best, Banks is the definition of a game-wrecker."

With Parsons, the Packers have a game-wrecker on the edge. Imagine adding a game-wrecker on the interior to pair with Parsons. Banks has all the tools in the shed to develop into a game-wrecker. Even with the medical concerns, his talent may be too difficult to pass up with the 52nd overall pick.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 18, Florida DT Caleb Banks

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