The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had many hits in the draft in recent years. Could their top pick from the 2026 draft class be their next big disappointment?
In April, the Vikings shocked the NFL landscape by drafting Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick. Two foot surgeries since August 2025 led most to believe Banks could potentially slide into the second round. But Minnesota is convinced Banks will be healthy when training camp begins later this month.
Still, not everyone is convinced Banks will be healthy or even live up to his potential. Moe Moton of Bleacher Report listed each NFL team’s biggest bust for the 2026 season, whether a draft pick or a veteran signing. Moton listed Banks as the Vikings’ biggest bust, citing health concerns.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Banks with the No. 18 overall pick in the draft, and he’s yet to participate in practice. Head coach Kevin O’Connell expects the 6’6″, 327-pound defensive tackle to be ready for training camp (h/t ESPN’s Kevin Seifert).
Even if Banks is on the practice field in a couple of weeks, the Vikings probably won’t ramp him up to full speed right away. After missing spring practices, the rookie first-rounder may see limited reps, which may delay his start to the season and push for a prominent role on the defensive line.
It’s hard to argue with the choice because of the range of potential outcomes for Banks’ playing career. The Vikings were also fairly conservative in free agency. So, unless Moton believes Kyler Murray or Jauan Jennings would be busts, Banks makes sense, if for nothing else other than the questions surrounding his foot.
Minnesota is expecting Banks to be healthy and grow into a game-changer on the interior of the defensive line. But if he fails to do that, experts such as Moton believe the experiment could end poorly for the rookie.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: One Vikings draft pick predicted to be a bust in 2026
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