The Los Angeles Chargers have a major decision to make on draft night. They are slated to select 22nd overall in the first round, and they must determine what gap in their roster they want to address with that selection.
Especially if Zion Johnson departs in free agency, it would make sense to take an interior offensive lineman here. Olaivavega Ioane could be available, and he would be a strong candidate to immediately slot in at right guard.
At the same time, however, the depth behind Teair Tart at defensive tackle remains relatively slim. If the right prospect is there for the taking at the end of the first round, it's quite possible Los Angeles could be enticed.
No matter what, selecting a defensive player rather than an interior offensive lineman would be a major risk. While they could still nab a center in the second or third rounds, passing on a premier talent in the first leaves no guarantee they'll be able to rectify that decision later.
Caleb Banks out of Florida, however, may have just given them a reason to take that gamble.
Caleb Banks could be the versatile and consistent DT the Chargers need
If the Chargers choose to select a defensive tackle in the first round, they will have plenty of options. Kayden McDonald out of Oregon is an imposing figure. So is Peter Woods out of Clemson.
But Banks could be the guy that convinces Los Angeles to swing on a defensive player in the first round.
Banks played in just three games in his Senior season at Florida due to a broken foot. But his Junior season was highly productive, with Banks recording 21 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and seven tackles for loss through 12 games.
His measurements at the NFL Draft Combine came back solid as well, marking him at 6'6" and 327 lbs with a 35-inch arm length.
What's most exciting about Banks, however, is his versatility. He said yesterday during his media availability at combine that he is capable of playing "zero through nine", meaning that he's able to play all techniques along the defensive line. For a team that desperately needs a consistent run stopper to pair with Tart, someone of Banks' abilities could be an absolute gift.
Florida’s Caleb Banks says he can play anywhere along the DL. pic.twitter.com/4ToHtHsgcp
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) February 25, 2026
Tart was one of the Chargers' most valuable defensive players last season, but his game as a straight-up run stopper still needs a bit of work. He can be inconsistent at times at filling his gaps and finishing off plays before they begin.
With Da'Shawn Hand and Otito Ogbonnia entering free agency this offseason, perhaps it's time to bring in a young player to develop alongside Tart. Although it would represent a risk, selecting Banks is quickly looking like the best way to accomplish that.