The San Francisco 49ers invested three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft to overhaul their defensive line, and ESPN's Field Yates projects that effort will continue next year. In his latest 2026 NFL mock draft, Yates projects head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with their first-round pick, currently slated at No. 26 overall.
"Simply put, the 49ers need more disruptors on defense," Yates explained. "They currently rank dead last in sacks (16), 30th in pass rush win rate (29.3%) and 30th in pressures (111). The injuries to Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams obviously impacted that, but the defensive line could still use more help in 2026."
Banks' 2025 season ended prematurely due to a foot injury, limiting him to only three games. However, listed at 6-foot-6 and 329 pounds, his rare size and power continue to intrigue NFL evaluators.
"Banks' evaluation is a little tricky because he logged just 90 snaps in three games this season before fracturing his foot," Yates noted. "He has a huge frame, with over 35-inch arms, and generates major shock at the point of attack. Banks is the type of player that could help the 49ers put teams into less favorable passing situations."
In 2024, Banks appeared in 12 games, recording 21 tackles (seven for a loss), 4.5 sacks, a pass defensed, and a fumble recovery, per Sports Reference.
Adding Banks would further the defensive front overhaul that began with the selection of first-round defensive end Mykel Williams, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury. San Francisco also drafted defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West in later rounds to bolster the unit.