It's never too early to look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, even if the LA Chargers are still making their way through free agency with a slew of not-so-inspiring moves. Based on what the Bolts have done thus far and where the team's needs are, there are already some names that fans are circling as potential targets for the No. 22 pick.
One of those names is defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who had such a good showing at the Senior Bowl that it made Jim Harbaugh blush. With Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz valuing the trenches, the menacing defensive tackle is a real option for the Bolts in the first round.
That's why Banks' latest red flag is an important development to the Chargers. The Athletic's Dane Brugler reported Thursday that Banks suffered a broken foot at the NFL Combine that will sideline him until June. He had surgery on March 9.
Caleb Banks' foot injury complicates any Chargers' interest
In theory, Banks will be ready for the start of training camp and this shouldn't impact his rookie season. For that reason, it may seem a bit silly to suddenly sour on a player because of an injury that won't impact his rookie season.
It isn't this particular injury that is concerning for Banks and his production in the NFL. It is the string of injuries he has sustained and how that could be a trend that carries into the league. The best ability is availability, and it's always a red flag when a player has issues coming into the league.
Banks has dealt with foot injuries before, which is a bad sign for a defensive tackle who wins on raw athleticism and explosiveness. Banks missed the first two games of the 2025 season with a foot injury that was reaggravated in his return against LSU. All in all, he played a grand total of three games in his last season.
The Chargers are a team that historically takes the best player available. Because of his exceptional showing at the Senior Bowl, there was momentum toward Banks cementing himself as the best player on the board at pick No. 22.
However, given these injury concerns, it's hard to imagine there not being a prospect higher on the Chargers' board once they are on the clock. This is an instance where the Chargers should listen to the red flags.