SB Nation Reacts: Grade the Vikings’ Selection of Caleb Banks

TL;DR

The Minnesota Vikings selected Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising many fans. Banks has shown elite athletic traits but has struggled with injuries limiting his production.

Key points

Minnesota Vikings selected Caleb Banks in the 2026 NFL Draft
Banks is a defensive tackle from Florida
He has elite athletic traits but injury struggles
The pick aims to strengthen the Vikings' defensive line
Fan reactions to the pick are mixed

Minnesota VikingsCaleb Banks2026 NFL DraftFlorida Gators

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 16: Caleb Banks #88 of the Florida Gators reacts during the second half of a game against the LSU Tigers at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 16, 2024 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) | Getty Images *Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Vikings fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.* With their first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings surprised a whole lot of people. . .yours truly included. . .with the selection of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. While I think a lot of us agreed that the defensive line was a need for the Vikings, I don’t think there were a whole lot of people who expected Banks to be the one to hear his name called. This is a bet on potential as much as anything, as Banks showed at the Scouting Combine that he has elite athletic traits, but he has struggled with injuries that limited his on-field production this past season. The Vikings are swinging for the fences with this one, it appears. This is a pick that is going to be a great one for the Vikings if it hits. . .yes, at the moment that appears to be a pretty sizeable “if,” but Banks has apparently impressed the Vikings enough for them to decide to build their defensive front around him for the future. So, what do you folks think of the pick? Let us know in our poll and in the comments section below? *Check out the FanDuel Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation*.

Q&A

Why did the Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Vikings selected Caleb Banks due to his elite athletic traits and potential to strengthen their defensive line, despite his injury history.

What are Caleb Banks' strengths and weaknesses as a player?

Caleb Banks has elite athletic traits but has struggled with injuries that affected his on-field production during the previous season.

How do fans feel about the Vikings' pick of Caleb Banks?

Fan reactions are mixed, with many surprised by the selection, as they expected a different player to fill the defensive line need.