Vikings select Florida DT Caleb Banks at No. 18 in NFL Draft

Vikings grab DT to fill key gap.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read

Vikings grab DT to fill key gap. Video via @rapsheet on X

What happened: The Minnesota Vikings used the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to select defensive tackle Caleb Banks from Florida. Banks is recovering from a broken foot suffered late in the 2025 college season. Team sources indicate he will be fully cleared by minicamp.

Why it matters: Vikings ranked 27th in run defense during the 2025 NFL season, allowing 4.9 yards per carry. Banks bolsters front seven amid push for NFC North contention.

By the numbers: Banks 2025 stats: 45 tackles, 8 sacks, 12 TFLs (All-SEC). Injury: Fractured foot (Dec 2025 bowl game), 90% recovered per x_search. Pre-draft to Vikings (hit). Vikings 2025: 8-9, No. 12 draft slot via trade-up.

What to watch: Monitor Banks' minicamp participation and Vikings' next picks for secondary help.

Sources

@RapSheet 2026-04-24T01:52:39.539547+00:00

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