Metro Detroit Talent Represented in 2026 NFL Draft

The 2026 NFL Draft has officially wrapped up, and once again Metro Detroit football talent was represented on the national stage.

Headlining the local class was Caleb Banks, a former Southfield A&T standout who became a first-round selection after his college career at Florida. Joining him was Caleb Tiernan, a former Detroit Country Day standout who continued his journey to the NFL after starring at Northwestern.

From powerhouse programs to elite prep schools, Metro Detroit continues proving it remains one of the strongest football talent pipelines in the country.

Notable Metro Detroit Connections Drafted

• Caleb Banks – Former Southfield A&T standout / Florida defensive lineman → Minnesota Vikings (Round 1, Pick 18)

• Caleb Tiernan – Former Detroit Country Day standout / Northwestern offensive lineman → Minnesota Vikings(Round 3, Pick 97)

• Giovanni El-Hadi – Former Sterling Heights Stevenson standout / Michigan offensive lineman entering the NFL ranks

Metro Detroit continues producing elite football talent through programs such as:

• Southfield A&T

• Detroit Country Day

• Cass Tech

• Detroit King

• Belleville

• Brother Rice

• Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

• West Bloomfield

• Sterling Heights Stevenson

• River Rouge

Every draft class serves as another reminder:

With Caleb Banks leading the way as a first-round pick and other local standouts continuing the tradition, the 2026 NFL Draft was another strong showing for Metro Detroit football.

The next generation of talent is already working toward hearing their names called next.