Vikings fans: 2026 NFL Draft reactions on Two Old Bloggers! Tyler Forness steps in for vacationing Darren Campbell as Dave Stefano delivers the snarky, unfiltered post-draft breakdown on this Vikings 1st & SKOL production. From Caleb Banks at #18 to the Jonathan Greenard trade and Brian Flores finally getting defensive help, the duo roasts the class while spotting upside — “The 2026 draft is over, and yeah, we’re not exactly lighting cigars,” Dave quips right out of the gate.
In this episode of the Minnesota Vikings podcast, Dave and Tyler break down the nine selections (most since 2022) and five top-100 picks, praising the aggressive trades under interim GM Rob Brzezinski while nitpicking value. They tackle the Caleb Banks selection head-on, citing orthopedic surgeon @skol_doc’s detailed medical analysis that eased injury fears around Banks’ foot issues. Tyler raves about the fit: “The idea of what Brian Flores is going to do with him is perfect… use him like Richard Seymour.” On the Jonathan Greenard trade to the Eagles for two third-rounders (one in 2027), they debate whether Minnesota sold low due to cap pressure and extension talks, but note the future-pick upside. No wide receivers were drafted despite heavy pre-draft interest, sparking talk of veteran stopgaps like DeAndre Hopkins. The show highlights 19 UDFAs signed — Tristan Leigh stands out — and shifts to Flores’ defense finally getting premium resources after years of late-round and undrafted gems carrying the load.
Caleb Banks (Pick 18, DT): An orthopedic foot specialist cleared Banks’ injury history; Tyler compares his projected role to Richard Seymour under Brian Flores. “He’s a unicorn. I’m in.”
Jonathan Greenard Trade: Sent to the Eagles for two third-round picks. Tyler argues his true market value was a first-rounder, noting his declining stats reflected a more balanced defensive scheme — not a decline in play.
No Wide Receiver Drafted: The Vikings missed on Jeremy Bernard due to a PED suspension and lost out to Pittsburgh on the trade-up. Available cap space (~$12.5M) could bring in a veteran WR3 such as DeAndre Hopkins.
Max Bredeson (FB, Round 3): Both hosts see him as an Alec Ingold-type weapon under new offensive coordinator Frank Smith. JJ McCarthy’s familiarity with Bredeson is noted as a locker-room bonus. Dave wonders if he’ll be the next Jimmy Kleinsasser?
Gavin Gerhardt (C, Cincinnati): Adds depth at a position that was a vulnerability in 2025; Tyler notes over 3,300 college snaps and solid athleticism.
Jake Golday (LB) & “Big Citrus” (DT): Two defensive depth pieces aimed at fixing a run defense that ranked at the bottom of the league in draft-pedigree investment. Brian Flores now finally has higher-drafted defensive talent to work with.
GM Search Update: Rob Brzezinski remains the frontrunner but must go through the Rooney Rule process. Dave notes, “He drafted like this was his job — and I think it absolutely is.”
Draft Philosophy Shift: Four of the five picks inside the top 100 were defensive players — a deliberate course correction after years of offensive-focused drafting under the previous regime.
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