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Mel Kiper's mock draft has the Broncos landing a potential steal
TL;DR
Mel Kiper's latest mock draft predicts the Denver Broncos will select Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks in the second round. The Broncos, lacking a first-round pick, aim to capitalize on Banks' potential despite his injury history.
Key points
- Mel Kiper's mock draft predicts Broncos will select Caleb Banks
- Broncos do not have a first-round pick due to Jaylen Waddle trade
- Caleb Banks has a history of foot injuries affecting his draft stock
- Broncos hold seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft
- 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh from April 23-25
Mentioned in this story
Pittsburgh
Caleb BanksJaylen WaddleEvan EngramJohn Franklin-Myers
In his latest two-round 2026 NFL mock for ESPN, Mel Kiper projects the Denver Broncos landing a potential steal in the second round.
The Broncos do not hold a first-round pick in this year's draft following the Jaylen Waddle trade last month. With their second-round pick (No. 62 overall), Kiper has the team selecting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks, who seemingly had his draft stock dip due to his history of foot injuries. This is Kiper's commentary for the pick in his mock draft:
Welcome to the draft, Denver! With a pretty deep roster, the Broncos can afford to take a little bit of a risk. Banks' talent is more in line with Round 1, but he is dealing with yet another foot injury, which could keep him on the board until the middle part of Day 2. Banks is a disruptive presence on the interior, and he can stuff the run at 6-6 and 327 pounds. With John Franklin-Myers leaving in free agency, coordinator Vance Joseph could use someone like Banks on the inside.
The other position to watch here is tight end; Evan Engram is entering the final year of his deal.
Kiper will presumably release one more mock draft next week, just before the picks begin. After the Waddle trade, Denver in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in from April 23-25.
Q&A
Who is Caleb Banks and why is he a potential steal for the Broncos?
Caleb Banks is a Florida defensive lineman projected to be selected by the Broncos in the second round due to his talent, which aligns more with Round 1, despite concerns over his foot injuries.
What impact does the Jaylen Waddle trade have on the Broncos' draft strategy?
The Jaylen Waddle trade left the Broncos without a first-round pick, prompting them to focus on maximizing their second-round selection, where they are projected to draft Caleb Banks.
When and where will the 2026 NFL Draft take place?
The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.
