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Social Media reacts to the Vikings selection of Caleb Banks
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings selected Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, surprising many by prioritizing defensive line help over a safety. Social media reactions to the pick have been mixed, particularly due to Banks' injury history.
Key points
- Vikings selected Caleb Banks with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Banks is a defensive lineman from Florida
- His selection surprised many due to his injury history
- Social media reactions were mixed regarding the pick
- Vikings prioritized defensive line help over a safety
Mentioned in this story
Florida Gators
Caleb BanksMinnesota Vikings2026 NFL Draft
With the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings dropped a bit of a shocker when they selected Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks. The Gator defender missed most of the season but saved his draft stock with arguably the best practice of any player, regardless of position, at the Senior Bowl.
Despite all the smoke screens, the Vikings chose to add defensive line help rather than to draft a safety as we all expected. As a result, we wanted to share some of the social media reactions to the pick as it was a mixed bag and then some.
Folks were aware of and understood the need for help on the defensive line, but going for someone with a significant injury history elicited some interesting reactions. Here are just a few of the thoughts shared about the pick.
The Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks..
"I did not have him going in the first round"@PSchrags#PMSDraftSpectacularpic.twitter.com/qLC7BpcNAK
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 24, 2026
Vikings select Florida DT Caleb Banks with the No. 18 pick
Minnesota just got a MONSTER in the trenches 💪 pic.twitter.com/0mLXq2uxe7
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 24, 2026
"Caleb Banks is one of these guys that's tailor made for the NFL game...
Good in college, but could be really, really good, maybe bordering on great in the NFL."@KevinCarter_93 on DL Caleb Banks
Q&A
Why did the Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Vikings aimed to strengthen their defensive line, despite Banks' injury history, after he impressed at the Senior Bowl.
What was the reaction on social media to the Vikings' pick of Caleb Banks?
Social media reactions were mixed, with some surprised by the choice and others acknowledging the need for defensive line support.
What position does Caleb Banks play and what is his background?
Caleb Banks is a defensive lineman from Florida who had a standout practice at the Senior Bowl, despite missing most of the previous season.
