The Question Brian Flores Didn’t Want to Answer

Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) teammates greet him on the sideline against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

But then there’s the merit of player comparisons, at least for those from the outside looking in.

NFL fans who don’t have a huge knowledge of college ball can sometimes find it difficult to understand what a new player is going to offer. These fans see the speed, size, and stats but can’t quite get a grasp of how that player plays. So, compare Jordan Addison to Stefon Diggs insofar as both are smaller receivers who can break a corner’s ankles. The comparison isn’t perfect — Addison is a better athlete, Diggs runs viciously-precise routes — but there’s a concrete example that will help fill the knowledge gap for the uninitiated.

Brian Flores wasn’t particularly keen about playing the game.

Part of what makes his non-answer fascinating is that he has an extensive history in the NFL. The long-time Patriots coach has also worked with the Dolphins, Steelers, and Vikings. There has been a ton of digital ink spilled on the possibility of Christian Wilkins — who stands at 6’4″ and 310 pounds — in Minnesota. Would he be a good example as a different 1st-Round DT from Coach Flores’ history?

If so, the coach wasn’t willing to connect those purple dots, at least not publicly. Rather, there was an emphasis on what makes Banks unique while praising his potential.

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sideline as the defense cycles through personnel groupings during a physical NFC North matchup. The moment was captured on October 15, 2023 at Soldier Field in Chicago, showing Flores locked into in-game adjustments as Minnesota battled the Bears through a tense, grind-heavy afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau–USA TODAY Sports

Mr. Banks comes in at 6’6″ and weighs roughly 325 pounds. Do note, though, that Banks wants to shrink his weight down a touch, dropping somewhere around ten pounds so that he can play within the 315-320 range.

Caleb Banks only played in three games in 2025. His stats show 6 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. In 2024, Banks played in a dozen games. His final stats show a tackle tally sitting at 21 to stand alongside his 4.5 sacks and 7 tackles for loss. Even better, Banks created 2 forced fumbles.

Brian Flores (and Ryan Nielsen) will be instrumental in pushing Banks toward becoming a truly unique player in the NFL.