The NFL Draft process is heating up, and the Las Vegas Raiders are doing their homework on potential defensive reinforcements. University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks was in the building for a pre-draft visit with the Raiders on Wednesday, a meeting the prospect himself highlighted on his Instagram.
Banks, who transferred to Florida after two seasons at Louisville, brings a promising blend of size and disruption to the interior line. Over three seasons with the Gators, he compiled 46 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles, showcasing the ability to penetrate the backfield.
His draft stock, however, comes with a significant question mark regarding health. Banks was limited to just three games in 2025 due to a left foot injury, and his pre-draft timeline took another hit when he fractured the fourth metatarsal in the same foot the night before on-field testing at the Scouting Combine. After undergoing surgery last month, the projected timeline for his return to football activities is set for June, making his medical evaluations crucial for interested teams like the Raiders.
Banks wasn't the only defensive prospect making the rounds in Las Vegas. The Raiders also hosted San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson, a player generating serious first-round buzz. Johnson, who has already visited with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where he earned All-America and Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors. His stat line was equally impressive, allowing zero touchdowns while notching 13 passes defensed and four interceptions, making him one of the most coveted defensive backs in this class.
