The Minnesota Vikings drafted Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in April, and during his first preseason game in August, the guy played pretty lousy.
That’s not ideal, but the last thing you want is to overreact. It’s not worth it.
One August Game Assuredly Can’t Answer the Caleb Banks Question
At NYG Was Uneven — Not Alarming
Banks did not play well in the first preseason game of his career. No sugarcoating: he was not good. Period.
It’s also what you might expect from a 21-year-old – – yes, he’s that young – – coming off a foot injury in late February. He was often outmaneuvered and inconsistent, especially when his pad level rose. But he also displayed the superior quickness that made Minnesota comfortable spending the 18th pick on him. One preseason game showed that Banks still needs development.
Using it as evidence that the Vikings drafted the wrong player is just absurd. It’s a “What did you think was going to happen?” situation.
The Guy Missed the Entire Offseason
Banks’s preparation is also relevant here. The Vikings drafted him in April knowing he wouldn’t factor into anything until training camp. That forecast came true. Banks didn’t see the practice field until late July, with his first preseason game arriving about three weeks later.
He’s healthy enough to practice now, but he’s essentially trying to cram months of development into a few weeks. Expecting a polished 1st-round defender right away was unrealistic from the outset.
There’s a penalty for drafting a defensive tackle with two foot injuries in eight months: the guy may not be ready for glory in the preseason, and in fact, he would look overwhelmed. That’s where the Vikings are right now. Banks was not game-ready on draft night and was behind the eight ball more than most of his draft mates because of the broken foot.
1st-Round Traits Remain Intact
The upside Minnesota sought in Round 1 from Banks is still there. It didn’t vanish against the New York Giants. Playing in such games that don’t mean anything for the scope of the season is precisely what Banks needed to get the ball rolling.
It was akin to Kyler Murray’s errant incompletion to Aaron Jones in the first quarter of the same game; that was necessary for Murray and Jones to iron out the kinks and make the offense more efficient before Week 1.
Banks is an imposing figure at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds with 35-inch arms, and he possesses remarkable length and surprising agility for his size. Minnesota drafted Banks for his raw potential rather than his polished tool kit. A few shaky preseason snaps offer little insight into the long-term success of this gamble.
Banks said in April, “I feel like I’m a freak athlete. Not a lot of guys have the skill set I have, but I feel like if I developed my tools, I could be dangerous.”
What truly matters is whether Banks can translate his freaky gifts into NFL technique. Stay tuned.
Vikings Don’t Need a Pro Bowler Right Away
Minnesota also doesn’t need an utter stud on the defensive line in Week 1. Banks has time to grow – – beyond a preseason game. Jalen Redmond might be the best defensive player all around on the current roster. His pal, outside linebacker, Andrew Van Ginkel, may disagree. Dallas Turner is in the mix as a starter in the same defensive front. Banks’s rookie teammate, Domonique Orange, could see action right away in the regular season.
Others, like Tyrion-Ingram Dawkins and Levi Drake Rodriguez, are along for the ride, too. A productive Banks in 2026 will feel like a bonus. Banks can gradually take on more responsibilities instead of being thrown into a leading role.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has always stressed patience with rookies, and his recent comments suggested Banks still has a lot of development ahead – – and that’s not a criticism. The Vikings drafted him in April 2024 to turn into a baller in September 2027 or September 2028.
Young defensive tackles take time to acclimate. Banks, coming off two injuries, is no different.
The Vikings host the Baltimore Ravens for the second preseason game this Saturday, and Banks can take the next step in righting some of his first-game wrongs.
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VikesNow Verdict: After an injury-shortened college season and virtually no offseason work, the Vikings should be grading his development over months and years – – not one preseason game.
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