Where Mel Kiper projects Florida football's Caleb Banks in NFL draft

Former Florida football defensive tackle Caleb Banks is projected to be a second-round pick to the Denver Broncos, according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.

In his 2026 NFL mock draft, Kiper has Banks being selected by Denver with the 62nd overall pick. He acknowledged the gap between Banks' talent level and where he projects to land on draft day, noting that his ability is more in line with a first-round grade.

The issue is a foot injury, the latest in a string of physical setbacks that has limited the 6-foot-6-inch, 327-pound defensive tackle.

The fit with Denver makes sense on paper. Kiper pointed to the departure of edge rusher John Franklin-Myers in free agency as a reason the Broncos could use Banks on the interior.

Banks is not the only former Gator to appear in Kiper's mock, as Florida center Jake Slaughter was mentioned as a potential value option for the Los Angeles Rams at No. 61, though Kiper ultimately went a different direction with that pick.

Here is why Kiper believes the Broncos will select Banks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.

Why Kiper has the Broncos selecting Banks

"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.