Caleb Banks Drafted by Vikings at 18th Overall on Thursday

The Minnesota Vikings took University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks (foot) with the 18th overall selection in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night. Banks stands at a hulking 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, but he can do things on a football field that aren't typically associated with interior defensive linemen. Banks impressed with a 5.04-second 40-yard dash and 114-inch broad jump at the NFL scouting combine. The 23-year-old defensive tackle had a total of 6.5 sacks in his five collegiate seasons (his first two came at Louisville). A fractured foot that Banks suffered at the combine in February isn't expected to affect his availability for the start of his rookie season in the NFL. Banks had recurring foot injuries during his final collegiate season, which limited him to just three games played. The Vikings chose to overlook his foot issues in favor of his elite physical traits. If healthy, Banks could be a massive interior-line asset for the Vikes as a run-stopper and pocket pusher.

Source: NFL.com