The Minnesota Vikings drafted Caleb Banks out of Florida with the 18th overall selection in the 18th overall draft.
Banks is a very big and intimidating interior defensive lineman, standing at 6’6 and weighing around 330lbs. Many expected the Vikings to take Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to fill their need for a safety. Instead, Minnesota opted to take Banks at 18, and deferred drafting a safety to the third round. They would select Miami safety Jakobe Thomas.
It’s not clear quite yet whether or not Banks will be a Day 1 starter for the Vikings. However, a prediction has been made.
Vikings’ Caleb Banks Gets Prediction for Rookie Season
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Caleb Banks of the Florida Gators participates in the 40-yard dash during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently released a prediction for Caleb Banks heading into 2026 training camp.
“While Banks was Minnesota’s first pick in April’s draft, he may be pushing for periodic playing time in camp. He has been relegated to rehabilitation work thus far while recovering from foot surgery—though the Vikings are pleased with his growth on the mental side….
…if fully recovered by the start of camp, Banks should be fighting for a prominent role in Minnesota’s defensive line rotation.”
The Vikings sport a very solid interior defensive line rotation. Banks, Domonique Orange, Jalen Redmond, Isaiahh Loundermilk, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Elijah Williams are the main names competing for snaps during training camp. Being a first round selection, Banks has the most potential out of the room, and if he hits, then he could be an absolute game-wrecker.
Minnesota Labeled as ‘Surprise Playoff Contender’ Ahead of 2026
GettyNGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Head coach Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on October 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Alex Kay of Bleacher Report named the Vikings as a surprise playoff contender in 2026.
“The quarterback situation has improved with the addition of Kyler Murray. While the former Arizona Cardinals signal-caller has struggled with injuries and inconsistency since his last Pro Bowl campaign in 2021, he has the potential for a strong second act under renowned quarterback whispering head coach Kevin O’Connell…
The Vikings already ranked No. 7 in scoring and No. 3 in total defense last year and should only improve with five prospects selected across the first five rounds of the 2026 draft—headlined by first-round edge rusher Caleb Banks—joining the fray.
While the 2026 Vikings will still sink or swim based on the performance of the quarterback position, the rest of the pieces are in firmly place for the team to secure a third playoff berth in six seasons under O’Connell.”
Assuming the Vikings’ defense has a 2026 like their 2025, the floor for the team is high. Adding Kyler Murray to that floor could send the Vikings deep into the playoffs come early 2027. Having Caleb Banks “boom” during their efforts surely would surely help.
Vikings’ Caleb Banks Gets Blunt Message About Role in 2026