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Caleb Banks struggles in preseason opener for Minnesota Vikings

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 17, 2026, 2:31 AM

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Caleb Banks struggles in preseason opener for Minnesota Vikings

Summary

Caleb Banks, a defensive tackle drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2026, had a disappointing preseason debut against the New York Giants. Banks, who missed all of OTAs and minicamp due to a foot injury, received a Pro Football Focus grade of 30.4, the lowest among Vikings defenders. Teammate Domonique Orange, also a rookie defensive tackle, faced similar challenges with a score of 45.0. Banks acknowledged his need to improve, particularly his pad level and block techniques. The Vikings coaches have significant film review ahead to address the weaknesses exhibited by their rookie defensive tackles.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Caleb Banks selected 18th overall by the Vikings in the 2026 NFL Draft.
•Received a Pro Football Focus grade of 30.4 in his debut.
•Struggled against the Giants' backup offensive line.
•Conceded the need for improvement in technique and pad level.
•Both rookie defensive tackles will undergo extensive coaching reviews.

Latest Updates

2:31 AMYahoo Sports — Caleb Banks’ Areas For Improvement Are Obvious After Underwhelming Preseason Debut

What they're saying

"
University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks wasn’t on many bingo cards when the Minnesota Vikings were on the clock with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. While there were no questions about his talent and potential, he did have injury concerns, and many saw him as an extremely raw prospect.Unsurprisingly, with Banks […] The post Caleb Banks’ Areas For Improvement Are Obvious After Underwhelming Preseason Debut appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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