Vikings 2026 NFL Draft described as 'baffling' by analyst

The Minnesota Vikings see top-10 potential in first-round selection Caleb Banks. But many still viewed the pick as a reach at 18, specifically because of the multiple foot injuries he has battled since last summer.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report described the Vikings' draft as "baffling", highlighting the Banks selection. Banks was the 60th-ranked prospect on B/R's draft board, making the reach that much worse for Knox.

"Ironically, it's fair to wonder what the Minnesota Vikings were thinking at the top of the draft while simultaneously knowing exactly what they were thinking. After parting with defensive linemen Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave earlier in the offseason, the Vikings clearly decided that they needed to reload along their defensive front. Still, using the 18th overall pick on Florida's Caleb Banks was a massive reach...While Banks has the potential to be a great player, Minnesota's decision to take him where it did is baffling."

Most media draft boards labeled the selection as a reach, although the Consensus Big Board had Banks ranked 37th. But according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, multiple teams in the 20s were targeting Banks.

The Vikings have been adamant that Banks' latest foot injury won't be a long-term concern. If he can stay healthy and polish his game, Minnesota will look like geniuses. But if they miss, the "baffling" pick will look that much more foolish.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: The Vikings pick of Caleb Banks continues to draw heated debate