UDFA tracker for Vikings following 2026 NFL Draft
Digest more
In the first round, they took a big chance, drafting talented (but recently injured) Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th pick. In Round 2, the Vikings traded down two spots and selected Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday with pick No. 51.
Longtime NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. called the Vikings pick a “big-time reach.” Others were more complimentary.
With the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings dropped a bit of a shocker when they selected Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks. The Gator defender missed most of the season but saved his draft stock with arguably the best practice of any player,