NFL executives criticize the Minnesota Vikings' 2026 draft choices, particularly their focus on defense and the selection of Caleb Banks. Concerns about Banks' health and desire have led to skepticism about the team's draft strategy.
Key points
Vikings' 2026 draft criticized by NFL executives
Concerns over Caleb Banks' health and desire
Focus on defense in the draft strategy
Skepticism about moving on from Jonathan Greenard
Mixed opinions on the addition of Jake Golday
Mentioned in this story
Brian Flores
Minnesota Vikings
Some āUnfilteredā NFL Executives Toss Criticism at Vikingsā Draft
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Vikingsā draft effort in 2026 wasnāt without some detractors. Consider the anonymous NFL executives among those who arenāt totally sold.
Mike Sando of *The Athletic* leveraged his league connections to assemble a piece covering the NFCās draft hauls alongside the AFCās draft hauls. Maybe predictably, the Minnesota Vikings didnāt earn pristine grades. Check out what some NFL employees had to say about the draft haul under Rob Brzezinski.
NFL Executives Arenāt Sold on Vikingsā Draft Picks
On a basic level, the Vikings did much to beef up the roster. Minnesota went defense early, showing a particular preference for the front seven (consider a complete tracker if thereās a desire for more precise details).
Sandoās article offers a few words on opting for Randy Moss a while ago, a similarly controversial pick that happened to turn out alright. Can the same be said of the Caleb Banks decision? Someday, perhaps, but not everyone thinks it will turn out well.
Dec 26, 1999; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss (84) catches a pass against defenders Shaun Williams (36) and Percy Ellsworth (43) at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
To begin, thereās a reflection on the influence of Minnesotaās defensive coordinator. Some Sando and some NFL executive thoughts:
Q&A
What are the main criticisms of the Vikings' 2026 draft picks?
Critics highlight concerns about the health and work ethic of defensive tackle Caleb Banks, as well as the decision to move on from Jonathan Greenard.
How did the Vikings approach their 2026 draft strategy?
The Vikings focused on bolstering their defense, particularly the front seven, but made controversial choices that raised eyebrows among NFL executives.
Who is Caleb Banks and why is he a focal point of criticism?
Caleb Banks is a defensive tackle selected by the Vikings, and he faces criticism due to his injury history and questions about his competitive drive.
What do NFL executives think about the Vikings' decision to let Jonathan Greenard go?
Executives believe letting Jonathan Greenard go was a mistake, citing his talent and importance at a premium position.
Related Articles
SoccerĀ·Recap
'Arsenal have flipped the pressure on to Man City in title race'
Arsenal's 3-0 win over Fulham puts pressure on Man City in the title race.
Sky SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Preview
PREVIEW | Everton vs Manchester City: team news, lineups, predictions (Premier League 04/05)
Everton takes on Manchester City this Monday in the Premier League. Hereās what to expect!
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Recap
Arteta hails Arsenal āauthorityā after crucial Fulham win
Arteta hails Arsenal's authority in 3-0 win over Fulham
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
Soccer
Richard Hughes left 'captivated' by Mo Salah replacement
Richard Hughes captivated by potential Mo Salah replacement at Liverpool.
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Recap
Marco Silva slams Fulhamās ābasicā failings after heavy Arsenal defeat
Marco Silva slams Fulham's basic failings after heavy Arsenal defeat
Yahoo SportsĀ·Ā·1 min read
SoccerĀ·Recap
ROSSONERE DEFEATED IN THE DERBY
AC Milan's women's team falls to Inter 1-0 in the Derby di Milano, ending Champions League hopes.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
Dec 26, 1999; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss (84) catches a pass against New York Giants defenders Shaun Williams (36) and Percy Ellsworth (43) at Giants Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lou Capozzola-USA TODAY NETWORK
āThe takeaway from the Minnesota draft is that (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores has a lot of say in the building,ā an exec said.
In 2019, when Flores was the Dolphinsā new head coach, many believed he wanted to draft defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who was not invited to the combine after video footage (from 2016, when Simmons was in high school) showed him punching a woman while she was on the ground. The Dolphins, then led by fourth-year GM Chris Grier, instead drafted Christian Wilkins, a solid player with less perceived risk.
Flores got his guy this time. There is no denying the immense talent Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks brings to the field ā if he makes it there after breaking his left foot before the 2025 season and again at the combine.
Consider another opinion: āāCaleb Banks is really talented but does not play with great desire and is hurt all the time,ā a different exec said. āScares me to death.'ā
Likewise, thereās skepticism about the merit of moving on from Jonathan Greenard. āāGreenard is too good of a player at a premium position to let go,ā a fourth exec said. āYou gotta figure out a way to make that one work.'ā
Jonathan Greenard celebrates with Vikings linebackers Eric Wilson and Andrew van Ginkel after a defensive play against the Dallas Cowboys.
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard celebrates with teammates Eric Wilson and Andrew van Ginkel during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 14, 2025. The trio gathers after a defensive stop as the Vikings defense rallies during the NFC matchup on the road. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.
Note that thereās some optimism about the Jake Golday addition sprinkled into the mix, with a different NFL executive insisting that heās āāa perfect scheme fit for what Flores wants to do on the edge there.'ā
Add it together and thereās an overwhelming takeaway: the Vikings made some risky decisions that defied expectations. People outside of the NFL *and* inside of the NFL donāt see things working out particularly well. Or, at the very least, thereās a widespread leaning toward a more negative assessment.
Minnesotaās path toward a strong draft haul begins with DT Caleb Banks. Seeing him turn into an elite defensive lineman who generates All Pro attention will mean that Vikings did tremendously well. Falling short of that lofty ideal means criticism will be upcoming, especially if the problem ends up being due to his health.
What should be remembered, though, is that the Vikings arenāt betting everything on the powerful defensive lineman. Minnesotaās legendary 2015 draft is considered so remarkable not because of the 1st-Round selection (CB Trae Waynes) but due to the 2nd-Round selection (LB Eric Kendricks), 3rd-Round selection (EDGE Danielle Hunter), and 5th-Round selection (WR Stefon Diggs).
So, keep an eye on what the other young lads do. Theyāll be leaned on to help the Minnesota Vikings, too. Getting a stud in the Golday selection, the Domonique Orange add, and/or the various others (Iāve got my eye on CB Chuck Demmings) will mean that the chorus of critics start singing a different song. Even the UDFA haul has a role to play.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores on the sideline during an NFC wild card game against the Rams at State Farm Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores stands on the sideline during the NFC wild card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The postseason appearance highlighted Floresā aggressive defensive approach in a high-stakes environment as Minnesota faced playoff elimination on the road. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images..
Next week, the Vikings are going to get into rookie minicamp. There will then be OTAs alongside mandatory minicamp coming up (read more). The other most notable story to watch is how these young fellas develop alongside whether the Vikings get a Jauan Jennings deal done.