Top prospect's jaw-dropping NFL Combine numbers should have Ravens on high alert

As the NFL Scouting Combine rolls on, more and more information is being revealed about the nation’s top prospects. They are meeting with teams and bolstering their stock through a series of tests to introduce themselves in the NFL world. In the same way, Baltimore Ravens fans are learning about what direction their team could be leaning come time for the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Ravens need a ton of help after their 2025 season unveiled countless problems, especially on the defense. On Thursday, edge rushers, defensive linemen, and linebackers worked out at the NFL Combine, and one prospect may have separated himself from the others when it comes to the Ravens’ pick at 14. In fact, he may be the perfect fit as Baltimore looks to get back to being the bullies on defense.

Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks had a very strong showing. He missed all but three games in 2025 due to a foot injury, but showed off what makes him a first-round prospect on Thursday.

His measurements were even more impressive. In fact, they were jaw-dropping.

Each of those measurements ranked near the top half for defensive linemen.

Those numbers should have Banks rocketing up some draft boards, and if he wasn’t in the conversation for the Ravens at 14th overall already, he undoubtedly will be now.

Caleb Banks’ NFL Combine should put him squarely on the Ravens’ radar

The interior defensive line is one of Baltimore’s top needs this offseason. Their pass rush was horrendous in 2025, and while most help is needed off the edge, a massive player like Banks could not only create a dynamite trio in the middle between him, Nnamdi Madubuike, and Travis Jones, but also apply pressure, eat blocks, and free up favorable matchups with edge rushers.

The Ravens seem to be all over interior defensive linemen this week. Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods said he met with Baltimore coaches earlier in the week. On Thursday, Banks mentioned during his time at the podium that he also met with the Ravens and that it was a great meeting.

There are some questions regarding Banks’ prospect profile. Across 34 collegiate games, he only accumulated 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. In 2025, he had a nagging foot injury at the start of the season and re-injured it against LSU. Ultimately, though, he showcased his toughness by returning for the final two games of the year, and proved his explosiveness is still there at the Combine.

Banks possesses very good burst for his size, and his elite wingspan makes him an immediate threat for opposing offensive linemen and in pursuit. His blend of size, power, and short-area quickness gives him the chance to ruin rushing plays single-handedly. His intangibles also give him a golden chance to develop as a pass rusher under the right coaching.

With the hire of Jesse Minter, the Ravens will be looking to do a 180-degree flip on defense in 2026. They’ve talked about the importance of getting better on the defensive line all offseason, and if Banks is the selection at 14, they’d be taking a huge step in the right direction in doing just that.