The Lions drafted a 1st-round DT last year in Tyleik Williams. Could they draft another top prospect in 2026? Caleb Banks is considered the best DT, however he carries possibly the most concerning medical history in the draft.
Here is the excerpt of my medical report on Caleb Banks:
(Ages in parentheses are at start of 2026 season and are factored into the concern level. Injury info and ages based on available public information are unverified and subject to update. Games played data courtesy of sports-reference.com.)
Caleb Banks, DT (23) – Florida
Projected round 2. #36 on Daniel Jeremiah board March 5.
Concern level 10/10
Three foot surgeries in the past 1.5 years is extremely concerning. His foot anatomy simply may not be able to handle his size and power.
Previously projected to go within the first two rounds, a fall deep into the draft is very possible now after the NFL combine results. The Lions don’t have a 3rd round pick, but might need to be prepared to make a decision on him if he’s available in the 4th or later. I would not take this kind of foot history in the first five rounds. At a certain point, the potential reward is worth the draft pick though.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions NFL Draft Injury Report: Florida DT Caleb Banks
Reporting by Jimmy Liao, MD, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
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