Let's see what the media thinks of the Vikings' draft class
The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books and the Minnesota Vikings were very active on draft day with their selections and a draft day trade of Jonathan Greenard to the Philadelphia Eagles.
What did the NFL media world think of the Vikings draft?
CBS Sports
One has to wonder if the Vikings are really getting the right amount of value out of this draft having taken two defensive tackles in the first two rounds.
Boosting that group is a necessity since the Vikings traded Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles on Day 2, but it's unconventional nonetheless. There had been buzz about a potential trade since before the start of the league year in March, and it finally came to fruition in the middle of the second round. The deal also gave Minnesota a third third-round pick at No. 98.
Minnesota must not have any concerns about Caleb Banks' foot, because using the No. 18 pick on a defensive lineman who has battled multiple injuries over the past year is otherwise a questionable move. Two surgeries since the start of the 2025 college football season, including one as recently as the combine, made Banks a candidate to fall out of the first round entirely. Instead, Minnesota took a gamble and will hope he delivers on his potential as a massive force on the defensive interior.
Sports Illustrated
Clearly, the Vikings wanted to improve along the interior defensive line. Banks could have the most upside among the defensive tackles in his class, but the team took a big gamble on a player who has broken his left foot twice in the past year. The Vikings did, however, protect themselves a bit by selecting another interior defender, utilizing extra picks from the Jonathan Greenard trade with the Eagles. Orange offers a lot more than just his cool nickname of “Big Citrus.” Banks is the better pass rusher, but Orange can make an impact in the running game. Minnesota waited until the third round to finally add a safety in Thomas, a ballhawk with five interceptions last year.
Most of the concerns with the draft class stem from the first round selection. Was it valuable to invest in a defensive tackle that profiles as a two-down, run stuffer immediately with the HOPE he will be a great pass rusher? We'll find out soon, but the pick has rightfully raised eyebrows at the organization without a permanent GM.