It was already a massive risk from the Minnesota Vikings when they decided to select defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but the pressure is really going to be on for the rookie this season.
There were bigger needs for the Vikings, like getting help in the secondary or adding a young running back, but they elected to keep building on their defensive line. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards is turning the heat on a bit for Banks as he recently ranked him third on a list of NFL rookies with the most pressure on them to succeed.
"Banks was one of the more heavily critiqued selections of the first round. The massive interior defender was limited to just three games while recovering from a foot injury.
Minnesota got the most out of its defensive tackle group, but the reality is that was unsustainable with the talent in that room. Banks could lead to sustainability if he is able to stay healthy."
Should Minnesota Vikings rookie DL Caleb Banks really be facing the kind of pressure he might in 2026?
Last year with the Florida Gators was not a good indication of what Banks can do, since he played only three games before missing most of the season with a foot injury. He finished the season with just six tackles, three pressures, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery.
PFF graded him out at a 68.8 overall, but he was not ranked due to not having enough snaps on the year to be eligible.
If Vikings fans want to see the full potential of Banks, check out his 2024 season and how he dominated on the Gators' defensive line. He racked up 21 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one pass deflection in 12 games.
That foot injury is going to cause a lot of stress in Minneapolis since Banks has injured it twice in the last nine months: once in the regular season and then again during the NFL Combine. At the position he plays, it's going to be difficult for him to fight through that injury without it popping up again at some point.
The decision to select him adds just as much pressure on the Vikings' coaching staff and front office as it does on Banks. They knew what they were signing up for with Banks, so they have to hope he can follow through and be the talent they want him to be while staying healthy.
Banks has all the capabilities to be a great defensive tackle in Brian Flores' scheme. He might be seen more as the guy to cause congestion in the middle of the line, but he could be the next Jalen Redmond and also be a solid pass rusher.
There will be many nervous Vikings fans at the beginning of the season, praying that Banks can be as good as the franchise hopes. It's more about setting the foundation of the future than anything else.
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