One of the stunning selections of the 2026 NFL Draft went to the Minnesota Vikings when they decided to take a chance on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks in the first round.
There were a lot of questions about the decision, since Banks had been projected as a second-round pick despite the foot injury he was working through, even though he was a first-round talent. Well, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer was hearing different with scouts loving Banks, including one who had a wild player comparison.
"They took Florida DT Caleb Banks in the first round, and most scouts I talk to think he has the best chance to become a game-wrecker of the class’s interior defensive linemen—and may be the only one with that potential.
I had one compare him to Jeffery Simmons coming out, which seemed a bit rich, but gives you an idea on his ceiling.
The problem is he’s been hurt, and there are motivation questions, some tied to his ability to keep his weight down. The hope here, I think, is that the Vikings’ locker room will help turn him."
Minnesota Vikings might have a future Jeffery Simmons on their hands with Caleb Banks
If there is one player that could be the best comparison, it's definitely Simmons. The man was an All-Pro last year, a two-time second-team All-Pro selection, and a four-time Pro Bowler. If the Vikings can get that kind of production from Banks, every fan will sign up for that.
No one is doubting Banks' talent as he is arguably the most physically gifted defensive tackle in the draft. Everyone's worry is the foot.
He played just 96 snaps in 2025 after missing most of the season with the injury, then reinjured it during the offseason and wasn't able to go through workouts in front of NFL teams.
The Vikings are leaning more on the fact that Banks has everything they need out of a tackle to dominate with his explosion off the line and pure strength to overrun any offensive lineman.
Of course, that's as long as he can stay healthy, but if durability is a problem for the next few years, his career might be over quickly.
Vikings fans are truly hoping they have a great defensive tackle in Banks after dealing with the flops of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen a season ago.
There's a lot of pressure on the young man, but Banks is playing under Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, so he's the perfect coach to get the Simmons production out of him.
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