Draft Selection
The Minnesota Vikings selected defensive tackle Caleb Banks from the University of Florida with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
"Pro Bowl-level talent" and a "unicorn." – Evaluators on Banks' potential.
Background
- Banks, 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, was projected to be selected around No. 51 or 52 by analysts Dane Brugler and Daniel Jeremiah.
- Concerns about his injury history, particularly multiple foot surgeries, affected his draft stock.
Injury Details
- Banks injured his left foot in spring 2025 and re-injured it in September 2025 against LSU.
- He underwent surgery, returned for the final two games of the season, then felt a pop in his foot during pre-draft training at the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2026.
- After a flare-up during testing, he underwent another procedure to repair a bone in his left foot.
- A recent CT scan evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist at the Andrews Institute indicated he is on track to be fully cleared for football activities in early June.
Organizational Decision
- Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski and head coach Kevin O'Connell cited confidence in the team's medical staff and extensive evaluation of Banks, including a one-on-one session with defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen, monitoring at the Senior Bowl, and a top-30 visit.
- The Vikings had not drafted a defensive lineman in the first round since 2013.
- They discussed the risk of selecting a player with an injury history but viewed the pick as an opportunity to acquire a player they consider a top-10 talent.
"We see an opportunity to add a top-10 talent." – Vikings leadership on selecting Banks.
Player Profile
- Banks recorded 10.5 sacks in 35 college games.
- Comparisons to defensive tackle Chris Jones have been made due to his size, arm length (35 inches), and lateral quickness.
- Some evaluators described his potential as "Pro Bowl-level talent" and a "unicorn."