Detroit Lakes, MN (KDLM) – The Minnesota Vikings hope they’ve found a cornerstone for their defensive line.
The Purple selected Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Banks is a 6-foot-6, 327-pound interior lineman who spent two seasons at Louisville before transferring to Florida for three years. The 23-year-old Detroit native boasted the longest wingspan at the NFL Combine, measuring 7 feet, 1.75 inches — the longest recorded at the combine since 1999.
The pick came as a surprise to many analysts, as Banks was not projected as a first-round pick by most draft experts. He is also the Vikings’ highest-drafted defensive tackle since Kevin Williams in 2003.
Injuries are a concern. Banks played only three games for the Gators in 2025 and recorded six tackles, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery, missing most of the campaign due to a foot injury that required surgery. He broke a bone in his foot again at the Scouting Combine but is expected to be ready before training camp.
Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said the team is “really excited about adding a player of Caleb’s talent,” describing him as a potential top-10 caliber talent and difference-maker on the defensive line.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski acknowledged the risk but said the team is comfortable with where Banks will be by training camp.
Over 34 collegiate games between Louisville and Florida, Banks tallied 48 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 10.5 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
The Vikings have three picks scheduled on the second day of the draft, Friday night.
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