Vikings roll the dice on Caleb Banks at 18, chasing a high-ceiling interior disruptor
The Minnesota Vikings shocked NFL observers by selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks at No. 18 in the 2026 NFL Draft, a pick driven by his high upside despite a lengthy injury history and multiple foot surgeries. The team conducted extensive due diligence—CT clearance, several touchpoints with Banks, a Gainesville visit, and a top-30 visit—and credited their medical staff for giving them confidence to pull the trigger. Analysts questioned his health and college production, but Minnesota believes Banks’ rare size, length and athleticism could translate into a premium interior pass rusher if he stays healthy and develops under their coaching staff.
