The Buffalo Bills could make a surprising pick at 26th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Buffalo has the 26th overall pick and has been linked to adding defensive help. The Bills have overhauled their defense this offseason, but the team isn’t done.
So, ahead of the NFL Draft, Ian Harper of NFL Mock predicted the Bills would select Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks.
“Banks is more flash than substance as a prospect. But unlocking his traits could result in a deadly pass-rusher,” Harper wrote. “He’s an athletic freak who can be justified as the best pass-rushing defensive lineman in the class. And Buffalo would certainly welcome his upside next to Deone Walker on their defensive front.”
The Bills selecting Banks at 26th overall would be a major surprise, as he’s been projected to be a second-round pick. It would be a reach, but if the Bills believe Banks can make a difference on defense, perhaps Buffalo would make the selection.
Banks is a 6-foot-6, 330lbs defensive tackle who can be a run stuffer and help the Bills’ defense. Buffalo’s run defense has been an issue, and Banks can help shore up the defense and make an impact.
However, Banks dealt with injuries last season as he had played in just two games for the Gators. In 2024, he recorded 21 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 pass defense, and 1 forced fumble.
Caleb Banks NFL Draft Profile
Banks is expected to be a Day 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he could end up being a late first-round selection.
The star defensive tackle didn’t get to show much last season due to injuries, but when healthy, he proved he can make an impact. NFL.com’s Draft analyst Lance Zierlein compared him to Gervon Dexter Sr. and believes he can make an impact in the NFL.
“Big-framed, long-limbed interior defender whose play needs more polish to consistently match his traits. Banks has a quick first step,” Zierlein wrote. “He can stun/control single blocks when his hand strikes are timely and accurate, but he needs faster disengagement to increase his tackle count. His high center of gravity allows double teams to generate displacement, so a move to odd-front end could be in his best interest as a run defender.
“Like a grappler without submission knowledge, Banks is still learning to unlock his physical advantages so he can turn them into sacks. His traits and flashes at the Senior Bowl make him an enticing prospect. But injury concerns are a potential stumbling block for him.”
Banks can join the Bills’ defensive tackle unit of Ed Oliver and Deone Walker. He would be part of a key rotation that can stop the run and get after the quarterback.
Bills Confident They Will Find Good Players in NFL Draft
Buffalo knows they need to get impactful players in the NFL Draft to help bolster the roster.
With the Bills in their Super Bowl window, GM Brandon Beane believes the team will find solid players in the Draft who can make an impact.
“I definitely think there will be players day two and day three that can help us in various roles. Whether it’s competing for a start (or) a really good backup,” Beane said. “… We’ll find good players with that first round pick as well. You just don’t know if you’re technically going to be selecting out of your first round. It’s early to know that.”
The Bills have seven total picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bills Predicted to Make Major Reach for 330lbs DT in Intriguing Move