Vikings Rookies Receive Clear Expectations for Future Roles

WHO:

Heavy NFL - Caleb Banks, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

vikings.com - Caleb Tiernan, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings.

vikings.com - Sam Darnold, former Vikings player who departed for Seattle.

vikings.com - Jonathan Greenard, involved in a trade with the Eagles.

WHAT:

Heavy NFL - Caleb Banks was selected 18th overall in the NFL Draft.

vikings.com - Caleb Tiernan was selected with the 97th overall pick in the NFL Draft.

vikings.com - The Vikings drafted five players in the 2026 NFL Draft: Caleb Banks, Jake Golday, Domonique Orange, Caleb Tiernan, and Jakobe Thomas.

vikings.com - Tiernan started 43 of 52 games at Northwestern and was a Second-Team All-Big Ten honoree in 2025.

vikings.com - Tiernan's arm length was measured at 32 1/4 inches, which is below the ideal 34 inches for tackles.

WHERE:

Heavy NFL - Florida, where Caleb Banks was drafted from.

vikings.com - Livonia, Michigan, where Caleb Tiernan is from.

vikings.com - Northwestern University, where Tiernan played college football.

WHEN:

vikings.com - The Vikings drafted Caleb Tiernan in April 2026.

vikings.com - The Vikings received the 97th pick as a compensatory pick after Sam Darnold's departure.

WHY:

vikings.com - The Vikings aimed to strengthen their offensive line after experiencing injuries the previous season.

HOW:

vikings.com - The Vikings utilized their highest compensatory pick to select Caleb Tiernan.

The Minnesota Vikings made headlines by drafting Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick and Caleb Tiernan at the 97th spot in the NFL Draft, as they look to bolster their offensive line after a challenging season. Tiernan, hailing from Livonia, Michigan, started 43 of 52 games at Northwestern and earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2025, although his arm length fell short of the ideal measurement for tackles. Additionally, the Vikings traded for Jonathan Greenard from the Eagles and saw former player Sam Darnold depart for Seattle.