The Vikings’ 1st-Round Selection Offers “Violence” in the Trenches
Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was available at No. 18. He was still available at No. 19.
After no shortage of speculation about the defensive backfield, the Vikings are instead welcoming a huge defensive lineman. Caleb Banks was the Vikings’ 1st-Round choice, a reasonably surprising decision despite a need for more talent in the trenches. Potential is the name of the game for Mr. Banks. What’s working in his favor is that he’s described as being a “violent” player. Vikings skipper Kevin O’Connell said as much, praising the newcomer’s violence in his press conference after the opening round.
The Vikings’ 1st-Round Choice is “Violent”
Over on PFF, there’s the insistence that Banks was the 32nd-best player going into the event. Much of the emphasis was on fit and potential for the 23-year-old who is coming off foot injuries.
Check out some of the analysis: “Banks is a big, strong and violent defensive lineman with the size and strength to be impactful at the next level. He relies heavily on a powerful club move as his go-to option to defeat blockers and penetrate into the backfield. His first step shows good burst, but he is unlikely to be a consistent chase-down defender to the perimeter.”
Further insight: “His length and strength give him strong scheme versatility, with the ability to align as a nose tackle, 3-technique or 3-4 defensive end in both odd and even fronts. He is a good run defender, though at times he can become too focused on shooting gaps rather than holding his assignment.”
At 6’6” and close to 330 pounds, Banks is an imposing presence. Using that build properly – being a bully who isn’t shy about pushing around the other team’s large lads – is what the Vikings’ coaching staff is looking to get out of the young fella.
At the very least, Banks should – note: should – be a strong presence in run defense. The size insists as much. But then is there upside to be found in the passing game? Can Banks collapse the pocket with regularity? Can he do so over the next five-to-ten years? Both O’Connell and Rob Brzezinski insist that’s the case, at least in terms of potential and possibility.
Check out the analysis from the NFL’s Lance Zierlein: “Big-framed, long-limbed interior defender whose play needs more polish to consistently match his traits. Banks has a quick first step. He can stun/control single blocks when his hand strikes are timely and accurate, but he needs faster disengagement to increase his tackle count. His high center of gravity allows double teams to generate displacement, so a move to odd-front end could be in his best interest as a run defender. Like a grappler without submission knowledge, Banks is still learning to unlock his physical advantages so he can turn them into sacks. His traits and flashes at the Senior Bowl make him an enticing prospect, but injury concerns are a potential stumbling block for him.”
And then Jordan Reid of ESPN: “After a breakout 2024, Banks entered last season regarded as one of the country’s top interior defenders, but foot surgery in September limited him to only two games. Despite the injury, Banks is a potential-laden defensive tackle who shows quick hands and disruptive ability. He reminded many evaluators why he was once viewed as one of the top interior prospects in this year’s class at the Senior Bowl, consistently showing his ability to win quickly against interior blockers. Banks underwent foot surgery for an injury that he suffered the day before the combine. He is expected to make a full recovery and return to full football participation in June.”
Both of those evaluators insisted on a 2nd-Round grade for Banks.
VT’s Dustin Baker got pretty darn close to nailing this one. He was incorrect in the insistence on Clemson DT Peter Woods, but he got the position correct. So, a tip of the cap to Baker for saying defensive tackle when most were leaning safety.
The Vikings continue rolling through the draft tomorrow with the No. 49 selection. Also sitting in the purple cupboards are picks No. 82 and No. 97. Minnesota is desperate for at least one of those selections to really work out.
