Vikings ignored obvious need with 18th overall pick in 1st round of NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Minnesota Vikings had one position they were linked to in mock drafts more than any other.

But when the No. 18 overall selection rolled around Thursday night in the 2026 NFL Draft first round, they went in a different direction.

The Vikings were expected by many to take a safety.

Instead, they took defensive tackle Caleb Banks out of Florida.

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It's not inherently a bad pick. The Vikings could certainly use help on the interior of the defensive line, too.

But there were two great safeties on the board, and Minnesota let them both pass by.

Oregon's Dillon Thieneman eventually went to the Chicago Bears at pick 25.

Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren actually made it through the first round without being picked, which was a total shock.

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Minnesota's next pick is No. 49 overall, which likely won't be early enough to get McNeil-Warren.

They could always trade up, but that's easier said than done.

The Vikings know they'll have to find an heir for Harrison Smith sooner rather than later. This appeared to be their shot to do so.

Instead, they liked Banks too much to pass him up. The safety position has to wait.

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