In April, the Minnesota Vikings surprisingly selected Caleb Banks, a massive defensive tackle out of the University of Florida. Stunning, as he was considered a second-round-caliber player, given the injury he suffered at the scouting combine.
Banks couldn’t participate in OTAs and minicamp, except for some work on the side. That’s why his status had been a much-awaited topic. On Wednesday, the first day of training camp, Banks made his first appearance on the football field.
Rob Kleifield of Vikings.com described the rookie’s first steps: “A full participant in practice Wednesday, the 18th overall pick Banks turned heads without making any tackles for loss or sacks. His size alone was something to behold. Calves. Thighs. Torso. Arms. You name it, Banks, who is listed at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, looked like he was dressed in full pads in his debut.”
He’s a huge defender, which is why his athleticism and movement skills stand out on paper and on tape. The combination turned him into a first-round pick despite barely playing in 2025 due to the first of two significant foot injuries.
The cool thing about Banks is that he seemingly doesn’t need a long ramp-up period and quickly surfaced on the first-team defense instead. Kleifield commented, “During team periods, Banks was seen rotating on the first team with second-year DL Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins; they played beside Levi Drake Rodriguez, who lined up as a nose tackle, and Jalen Redmond.”
Rookies generally have to work their way up, and it can take weeks before they receive meaningful reps with the starters. Coaches rarely hand those opportunities out by accident, even in late July. While one practice doesn’t guarantee Banks will open the season in the lineup, the early rotation suggests the Vikings want to find out as quickly as possible whether he’s ready for a prominent role.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert wrote about Banks’ first day at the office: “Rookie defensive lineman Caleb Banks, who sat out spring practices as his broken left foot healed, said he has been fully cleared for camp. He worked into 11-on-11 drills with the second team but is expected to challenge soon for a starting job.”
The defensive line rotation could be one of the most fascinating non-quarterback stories in the Twin Cities over the next few weeks. Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen were cut in March and to replace them, the Vikings picked Banks and Domonique Orange in the draft. They certainly provide the requisite size, but the year-one impact of any rookie is a mystery.
For now, on July 29, Banks appears to be just outside the starting lineup. The projected first-team defensive line consists of Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, though the rookie has already begun rotating with that group.
Redmond starred on Brian Flores’ defense last year, becoming a force on the line and making plays left and right. If he can take another step, he’ll enter serious Pro Bowl and All-Pro conversations. The former undrafted rookie and UFL player has already been a steal for Minnesota.
Ingram-Dawkins and Rodriguez were Day 3 picks over the last couple of years and played rotational roles in 2025. Rodriguez is a strong candidate to be the starting nose tackle, while Ingram-Dawkins has gotten some buzz as a potential backup edge rusher. He has played and can play inside and outside. Either way, there will be room on the field for either of them in today’s rotational-heavy defensive line world. Last year’s undrafted rookie Elijah Williams could also play a role.
Banks still has plenty to prove before he can be labeled a difference-maker. Training camp is only beginning, and he’ll have to earn his role over the coming weeks. But after months of rehabbing and watching from the sidelines, the first-round pick has finally arrived. Now the real evaluation begins.
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