Caleb Banks Highlights Mixed Early Grade for Vikings’ 2026 Draft Class

Examine Caleb Banks' early performance and how the Minnesota Vikings' 2026 draft class is grading out through the first month

by Sahil Goswami

Oct 12, 2026

Caleb Banks

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings keep winning, but their rookie class still has plenty to prove. Minnesota improved to 5-0 with a 23-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, extending its unbeaten start to the 2026 NFL season.

First-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks has flashed potential, but his playing time remains limited. Other young defenders, including Jake Golday and Charles Demmings, are still waiting for bigger opportunities. Sports Illustrated assigned Minnesota’s 2026 draft class a C+, reflecting a group with encouraging signs but limited contributions from several of its most intriguing prospects.

Banks’ rookie season has reflected that learning curve. He recorded his initial NFL pressure against Chicago in Week 2, but his workload has fluctuated. He played just 12 defensive snaps against Tampa Bay in Week 3, generating two quarterback hurries on nine pass-rush snaps. Against the Saints in Week 5, he played only seven defensive snaps and finished with two tackles.

Additionally, linebacker Jake Golday, a second-round selection, impressed during training camp and the preseason. Cornerback Charles Demmings faces a similar challenge. The fifth-round pick has appeared in three games, recording only two defensive snaps while contributing on special teams.

Minnesota Keeps Winning, but There are Things They Need to Improve

Quarterback Kyler Murray delivered his best performance yet in a Minnesota uniform, completing 24 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown without throwing an interception. He also rushed for 51 yards, giving the offense another way to extend drives.

Aaron Jones added 113 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries to help control possession. The Vikings finished with 364 total yards, but the red-zone mistakes remain an area to clean up following the team’s bye week. Minnesota’s defense once again proved why it has been central to the team’s unbeaten start. The Vikings held the Saints to just 142 total yards and forced two interceptions, both by cornerback Byron Murphy Jr.

A sixth straight win against Indianapolis would reinforce the Vikings’ position as one of the NFC’s early contenders. More importantly, it would show that Minnesota can maintain its momentum while continuing to develop its younger players.