After flashing dominance during his career at the University of Florida, defensive lineman Caleb Banks entered the draft pool. His performance at the Combine made analysts and scouts, along with fans, take notice.
From there, most draft prospects can ride that momentum into securing a much stronger draft spot, parlaying numbers into money. A recent development could alter his path.
Caleb Banks’ Draft Stock in Jeopardy After Latest Foot Injury Raises Red Flags
Banks posted excellent combine scores, including a 5.05-second 40-yard dash. However, news emerged of an injury that could cause his draft stock to plummet. Banks broke the fourth metatarsal in his foot. PFSN’s Jacob Infante shared his thoughts:
Banks has struggled with foot injuries over multiple seasons. In the last game of Florida’s 2023 season, he suffered a foot injury that sidelined him for the Gasparilla Bowl and spring practices leading into 2024.
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After returning, he dealt with another foot issue, missing the first two games of the 2024 season. Upon his return, he again left the LSU game due to another foot injury that required surgery, missing the next seven games before returning for the final two weeks of the season.
According to The Athletic’s Dane Brugler, Dr. Norman Waldrop operated on Banks on Monday. Brugler says that the defender is scheduled to return in June. Before the injury, many believed that Banks would hear his name in the first round. In five seasons, Banks accumulated 929 snaps over his 34-game career, which included stops at both Louisville and Florida.
When healthy, Banks’ athleticism jumps off the page. For example, in 2024, he landed in the No. 48 spot in the PFSN CFB DT Impact Rankings. Plus, according to the same metrics, he made eight splash plays, which occupied the No. 19 spot.
Working in the banks’ favor, some NFL teams select players even after pre-draft injuries. For example, in 2019, Mississippi State defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons tore his ACL during a pre-draft workout, but the Tennessee Titans still took him with the 19th pick in the first round. As a pro, Simmons has earned four Pro Bowl nods.
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Five years earlier, Georgia running back Todd Gurley tore his ACL against Auburn. The following spring, the injury did not prevent the St. Louis Rams from drafting him with the No. 10 overall pick. Gurley played six seasons, winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2017 and earning three All-Pro selections.
Whether a team selects Banks despite his current and previous injuries remains to be seen. The NFL Draft begins April 23 in Pittsburgh.
