Florida football's reputation as a pipeline for playmakers along the defensive front secured another notch on Thursday as the Minnesota Vikings selected Caleb Banks with the No. 18 overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Detroit, Michigan, native sports a rare ability to collapse the pocket and command space in the run game. At 6-foot-6-inches, 325 pounds, Banks etched out a role as one of the Gators' most physically striking defenders.

While in Gainesville, he built a presence fortified by disruption and durability. A central cog in Florida's defensive scheme, Banks tallied four and a half sacks during his junior season.

Despite having a collegiate career marred by injury, Banks' development was noted by scouts from his sophomore campaign. He missed all but two games in 2025 due to a broken foot.

His combination of technique and stature made him an intriguing prospect for many teams heading into Thursday's draft — key reasons he climbed draft boards as April got closer.

With the Vikings, Banks projects as a rotational interior defender with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy. Early-down reps could provide the 23-year-old ample opportunities to showcase his raw strength and physicality.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Minnesota Vikings select Caleb Banks in first round of 2026 NFL Draft