Did the Vikings bypass a star safety for a defensive tackle? Explore the surprising draft decision and its potential impact.
The Minnesota Vikings made a surprising pick in the first round. The Vikings drafted Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the No. 18 pick in the 2026 NFL draft. They did so in spite of rumors that they could go in another direction.
Credit the team for keeping its cards close to the vest. Many believed that the team was more interested in two other players, both from Oregon, in star safety Dillon Thieneman and tight end Kenyon Sadiq. While Sadiq was drafted two spots before Minnesota, the Vikings opted against drafting Thieneman. Instead, they went with Banks.
Minnesota, of course, defended its pick of Banks. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell voiced his excitement to bring in the talented interior defensive lineman. Here's what O'Connell had to say.
“Between (defensive coordinator Brian Flores) and (run game coordinator) Ryan Nielsen, and their excitement about the player, and the way we used the process from the combine formal to the 30 visit, to Ryan Nielsen spending some time with him down at the University of Florida, we felt that, combined with the fact that medically we feel strongly about where Caleb is not only at right now, after really getting that thing totally fixed up and having the type of medical team here, surgeon-wise and orthopedic surgeon-wise, we have some of the best in the world."
Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman during the NFL Draft prospects clinic at Hazelwood Green Park. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Despite saying all the right things, not everyone is sold on the decision to draft Banks over Thieneman. Injury concerns aside, it is debatable as to whether or not Banks is truly a first round talent for some who scout the league.
The Vikings did address one of their pre-draft needs with the pick. Entering the draft, we had an idea the team needed to improve at defensive tackle, especially after losing big names to free agency. Yet safety was also a need, and instead of drafting one of the best players at the position, the Vikings opted to allow Thieneman to go to division rivals in the Chicago Bears.
In spite of losing out on what many believe will be a great player, the Vikings did add a high upside option in Miami Hurricanes safety Jakobe Thomas. The Miami safety is a well-rounded player who has displayed good pursuit, savvy coverage and hard-hitting ability at the position.
How well the decision not to draft Thieneman goes over depends not only on Thomas, but on Banks to live up to his potential. Both players will hope to surprise in the 2026 season.