Some “Unfiltered” NFL Executives Toss Criticism at Vikings’ Draft

“The takeaway from the Minnesota draft is that (defensive coordinator) Brian Flores has a lot of say in the building,” an exec said.

In 2019, when Flores was the Dolphins’ 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 — if he makes it there after breaking his left foot before the 2025 season and again at the combine. Consider another opinion: “‘Caleb Banks is really talented but does not play with great desire and is hurt all the time,’ a different exec said. ‘Scares me to death.'” Likewise, there’s skepticism about the merit of moving on from Jonathan Greenard. “‘Greenard is too good of a player at a premium position to let go,’ a fourth exec said. ‘You gotta figure out a way to make that one work.'”

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 there’s some optimism about the Jake Golday addition sprinkled into the mix, with a different NFL executive insisting that he’s “‘a perfect scheme fit for what Flores wants to do on the edge there.'” Add it together and there’s an overwhelming takeaway: the Vikings made some risky decisions that defied expectations. People outside of the NFL *and* inside of the NFL don’t see things working out particularly well. Or, at the very least, there’s a widespread leaning toward a more negative assessment. Minnesota’s 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 aren’t betting everything on the powerful defensive lineman. Minnesota’s 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. They’ll 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 (I’ve 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.

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 Flores’ 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.