There is always a large spotlight on first-round rookies before they ever take an NFL snap. Expectations build quickly, especially for players stepping into high-profile organizations with playoff aspirations.

I’ll admit it. Like most of draft Twitter and most cynical Minnesota Vikings fans, I was perplexed by the selection of Caleb Banks in the first round.

Patriots rookie offensive tackle Caleb Lomu has all of the intangibles to succeed, but there was at least one pre-draft concern.

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Caleb Downs is ready for a new challenge in the NFL after admitting to being "bored" during his time at Ohio State.

With their first pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with pick 18. As noted by

The Dallas Cowboys landed arguably the best player in the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 11 pick. There's no argument to be had about Caleb Downs' athletic ability. The problem is he is a safety and positional value doesn't have him as that high of a pick.

ESPN analyst Jordan Rodgers thinks Caleb Downs will immediately be one of the team's smartest players and there is plenty of evidence to support that notion.

The Minnesota Vikings’ selection of Caleb Banks in the first round isn’t universally beloved by fans. His name isn’t Thieneman, he’s injured, and he comes