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Florida DT could be Falcons' No. 1 target in 2026 NFL draft
TL;DR
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to target Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with their second-round pick, No. 48 overall, in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his recent injuries, Banks is considered a physically impressive player.
With the NFL draft just eight days away, we've reached the stretch run. That means the plugged-in beat reporters likely have at least some idea of who their respective teams are targeting - at least in the early rounds of the draft.
For the Atlanta Falcons, the consensus seems to be that they'll look to pick an interior defensive lineman with their first pick - which doesn't come until Day 2 - No. 48 overall in the second round.
According to The Athletic's Falcons beat reporter Josh Kendall, Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks may be their top target going into the draft.
"The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder played only three games in 2025 due to a foot injury and then suffered an injury in the same foot before the combine, which kept him from working out. That may be too much risk for some teams, especially for a Falcons team that doesn’t have a first-round pick. But Banks is a physical marvel."
Banks (6-foot-6, 327 pounds) is considered a high-risk prospect due to injuries that sidelined him for all but three games last season and forced him to sit out the scouting combine. However, he also comes with a potential high-reward tag thanks to his awesome physical power and size.
The scouting report on Banks is led by his "outstanding" physical traits, which jump off the film right away.
All together, Banks put in 34 games at the college level, including seven at Louisville before transferring to Florida. Over the last three seasons with the Gators he put up 5.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles.
Banks is far from the only interior prospect the Falcons could target in Round 2, though. Kendall also lists Georgia's Christen Miller and Lee Hunter from Texas Tech as potential picks at the 48th spot. If Atlanta holds off addressing this spot until Day 3, he believes they may target Florida State's Darrell Jackson Jr., Missouri's Chris McClellan or NC State's Brandon Cleveland.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons might go after Florida Man in 2026 NFL draft
Q&A
Who is Caleb Banks and why is he a top target for the Falcons in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Caleb Banks is a 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle from Florida, known for his physical attributes, making him a top target for the Falcons despite recent injuries.
What is the Falcons' draft position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Falcons hold the No. 48 overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
What injuries has Caleb Banks faced leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft?
Caleb Banks played only three games in 2025 due to a foot injury and suffered another injury to the same foot before the combine, which prevented him from working out.
