10 Minutes On Banks

The more I see of this guy the more I love him. He’s got some quick hands. Him and Big Citrus have me excited. Championships are built on the line. I’d like to see us keep drafting ol and dl early on in the draft.

There's a big "IF" with Banks that we can't ignore. But if he puts the foot injuries behind him, the Vikings just drafted their own Dexter Lawrence.

I think unfortunately that Banks is going to have a minimal impact until at least the beginning of October, maybe a few weeks more. There's only so much strength and cardio exercising you can do mending a broken foot. I'd wager he's a little heavy and out of shape. And he's a rookie to boot. Going to need patience for Banks in 2026.

His work ethic is very strong. Fought to get back to a Florida team that was going nowhere. Could he have ballooned up after getting paid? Sure. I’d bet against it.

I think Banks at 18 was probably less of a gamble than Chris Jones was at 37 in 2016. Jones came with a few question marks of his own, as did Dexter Lawrence, Jalen Carter. Best part of taking Banks is that the Bears desperately wanted him.

JustInTime wrote:

https://twitter.com/thevikingage/status/2057548914493206964

This is the same dude that put the Vikings 28th in his post-draft power rankings. Geek speak with forked tongue 🐍

MaroonBells wrote:

I think Banks at 18 was probably less of a gamble than Chris Jones was at 37 in 2016. Jones came with a few question marks of his own, as did Dexter Lawrence, Jalen Carter. Best part of taking Banks is that the Bears desperately wanted him.

Source? Not doubting, just curious because I haven't seen that one.

Yes — there was a lot of speculation that the Chicago Bears were interested in defensive tackle Caleb Banks during the 2026 draft cycle.

Multiple mock drafts and analysts repeatedly linked Banks to Chicago because the Bears were viewed as needing interior defensive line help.

Some examples:

• NFL.com mock drafts had the Bears taking Banks around pick No. 25.

• USA Today and other outlets also mocked him to Chicago.

• Bears-focused media and fans discussed him heavily as a potential first-round target.

That said, there’s no public confirmation the Bears definitely planned to draft him. It’s more accurate to say:

• the Bears were widely believed to have interest,

• Banks fit a major roster need,

• and league/media consensus connected him to Chicago throughout the pre-draft process.

Source: AI

Wow, the ad placement in that bit was soooo annoying. Copilot this, copilot that. Maybe if they knew how to use technology they wouldn't have botched up the clips. One of those clips was repeated where it wasn't supposed to be.

If Pete is listening, I won't be watching many of these anymore with half the time talking about useless AI apps.

Was curious where Banks was going in mock drafts before his foot injury. Here's one from May 1st, 2025 that had him top 5.

CBS Sports' top 5 picks in their 2026 NFL mock draft

1. New Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns

2. Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State Nittany Lions

3. New York Giants: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Longhorns

4. New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Gators

5. Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami Hurricanes

MaroonBells wrote:

Was curious where Banks was going in mock drafts before his foot injury. Here's one from May 1st, 2025 that had him top 5.
CBS Sports' top 5 picks in their 2026 NFL mock draftNew Orleans Saints: Arch Manning, QB, Texas Longhorns
Cleveland Browns: Drew Allar, QB, Penn State Nittany Lions
New York Giants: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas Longhorns
New York Jets: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida Gators
Tennessee Titans: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami Hurricanes

Some fans can worry if they must, but Banks is a talented mo-fo and if he hits, he's going to HIT. I think its going to start slow because of that foot, but I think from mid-October on he is going to be playing a bunch.

p.s. The Drew Allar pick is hilariously bad, but I agree that some mocks had him (Banks) up there.

StickierBuns wrote:

Some fans can worry if they must, but Banks is a talented mo-fo and if he hits, he's going to HIT. I think its going to start slow because of that foot, but I think from mid-October on he is going to be playing a bunch.
p.s. The Drew Allar pick is hilariously bad, but I agree that some mocks had him up there.

When we drafted him I felt he was a 50-50 boom/bust prospect and I don't think there's much middle ground. He's going to be great or he's going to wash out. Not just the foot, but he didn't put up much in the way of numbers and his tackling/finishing is not good. The pick was mostly about OMG look at the physical talent. And yes I said OMG too.

And I agree about coming on slow, not just because of the foot but because he needs development and Flores isn't one to shove a rookie into the rotation just because "where he was drafted". We saw that with Dallas Turner. I suspect Banks is going to be a guy who needs a year or two.

Flores' D is complex as hell.

I think Banks and Golday will both be nursed slowly this first year.

Big Citrus may see more snaps vs either of them with a smaller set of responsibilities and even while playing predominantly on early downs.

I dont know how well this post will age lol!

purplefaithful wrote:

Flores' D is complex as hell.
I think Banks and Golday will both be nursed slowly this first year.
Big Citrus may see more snaps vs either of them with a smaller set of responsibilities and even while playing predominantly on early downs.
I dont know how well this post will age lol!