Defensive end Caleb Banks, a former star at Southfield A&T High School, was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Banks, who played the last three seasons at the University of Florida, was taken 18th overall by the Minnesota Vikings, one pick after the Lions drafted offensive tackle Blake Miller from Clemson.
Banks began his college career at the University of Louisville (2021-22), before transferring to Florida ahead of the 2023 season. He had one sack his first season at Florida and 4.5 sacks his second season. He suffered a foot injury before the 2025 season and tried to play through, but saw action in just three games.
Banks, 23, then broke a bone in his foot during workouts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in late February, and underwent surgery that was expected to keep him out of action until perhaps early this summer. That made his first-round selection by the Vikings a surprise, perhaps one of the biggest on Day 1 of the draft.
Before the injury, during measurables, Banks’ wingspan opened eyes at 7 feet, 1.75 inches. It was the longest recorded wingspan at the NFL Combine since 1999, according to the Vikings.
Out of high school, Banks, 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds, drew significant interest from Michigan and Michigan State, among many other schools.
The NFL Draft continues Friday with Rounds 2-3, and finishes Saturday with Rounds 4-7.
tpaul@detroitnews.com
@tonypaul1984
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Southfield DE Caleb Banks drafted by Minnesota Vikings
Reporting by Tony Paul, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
