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Vikings ignored obvious need with 18th overall pick in 1st round of NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, despite expectations to choose a safety.
Key points
- Vikings selected Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick
- Expectations were for the Vikings to draft a safety
- Caleb Banks played college football at Florida
Caleb BanksUniversity of FloridaMinnesota Vikings
Vikings ignored obvious need with 18th overall pick in 1st round of NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Minnesota Vikings had one position they were linked to in mock drafts more than any other.
But when the No. 18 overall selection rolled around Thursday night in the 2026 NFL Draft first round, they went in a different direction.
The Vikings were expected by many to take a safety.
Instead, they took defensive tackle Caleb Banks out of Florida.
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It's not inherently a bad pick. The Vikings could certainly use help on the interior of the defensive line, too.
But there were two great safeties on the board, and Minnesota let them both pass by.
Oregon's Dillon Thieneman eventually went to the Chicago Bears at pick 25.
Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren actually made it through the first round without being picked, which was a total shock.
BEST DRAFT NAMES:Ephesians Prysock | R Mason Thomas | |
Q&A
Why did the Vikings choose Caleb Banks instead of a safety?
The Vikings opted for defensive tackle Caleb Banks, indicating a strategic choice to bolster their defensive line rather than addressing their safety needs.
What position were the Vikings expected to draft at No. 18?
Many mock drafts predicted the Vikings would select a safety with their 18th overall pick.
Who is Caleb Banks and where did he play college football?
Caleb Banks is a defensive tackle who played college football at the University of Florida.
