Critics Roll In to Trash Vikings’ Draft Pick
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings made a somewhat controversial pick in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft, picking defensive tackle Caleb Banks at No. 18. The selection turned heads because Banks’s recent injury history had shoved his draft stock into Round 2 on most draft big boards, and few expected a team to pick him in Round 1 .
But the Vikings die precisely that — and the naysayers are already panning the choice. National voices wasted no time picking apart the selection and questioning Minnesota’s approach. The powers that be of NFL media lined up to trash the pick, not even 12 hours removed.
Banks Faces Instant Pressure in Minnesota Banks will have to prove people wrong. Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) meets with reporters during Pro Day at the Sanders Practice Fields in Gainesville, FL, March 26, 2026, offering insight into his development and draft outlook after a productive college career. Scouts evaluated his size, strength, and motor as he aims to climb late-round boards.
Mandatory Credit: Alan Youngblood-Gainesville Sun. Mel Kiper Jr. Unhappy about Banks to MIN Kiper Jr.
didn’t mince words, claiming he flat-out didn’t understand the Vikings’ thinking. He wrote late Thursday night , “Big-time reach for me. Banks was No.
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