Expert takes on Vikings' selection of Caleb Banks in 2026 NFL Draft

Six of the past seven editions of the NFL draft have seen at least one Florida Gator taken in the first round after the Minnesota Vikings made defensive lineman Caleb Banks the 18th pick on Thursday night. Banks is a talented athlete who has been dealing with a broken foot since last summer, limiting him to just three games during the 2025 campaign. However, his previous performances gave everyone a glimpse of his potential when fully healthy, which helped to push him up the draft board.

Gator Wire's Michael Long offered his take on why Banks fits with the Vikings , citing his "ability to fit in both three- and four-man fronts," which represents "a level of versatility rare for his physical profile. " He also notes that his "ability to penetrate gaps and handle double teams can be instantly impactful for Brian Flores' defense. " However, some in the national sports media were not feeling the move by Minnesota, criticizing the selection of a player who is still working through his physical recovery and has shown some weaknesses in his overall skillset.

USA TODAY Sports' most head-scratching picks USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz included Banks in his list of the NFL draft's most head-scratching picks . He voices a significant lack of faith in both the health and consistency of the former Gator. "Equipping Brian Flores with a 6-6, 327-pound missile off the line of scrimmage might seem like a surefire way for Minnesota's defense to up its chaos quotient.

Ultimately, the move might end up doing that in the wrong way," he begins. "When he's healthy and locked in, Banks is easily the most talented and disruptive defensive tackle in this class. He's a load for any offensive tackle to keep at bay, and he's nimble enough to put himself in position to finish off plays in the backfield rather than just throw them off course," he continues.