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Vikings Target Caleb Banks as DE Starter, Eye Clowney

7/14/2026

41 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Vikings Eye Banks

The Vikings expect first-round pick Caleb Banks to win the starting defensive end job if his broken left foot fully heals.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has started only one rookie since 2023, leaving his defense with the NFL’s second-fewest rookie starts (16) and snaps (2,110).
The Vikings are considering veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who posted 8.5 sacks in 2025 after a $3.45 million one-year deal the previous season.

Summary

Flores Drops NT

Flores plans to drop the nose tackle on most passing-down packages because he treats the position low priority.
He frequently uses sub-packages that omit a nose tackle and rely on edge rushers for pressure.
Domonique Orange is projected as a rotational nose tackle rather than a full-time starter.
Safety Jakobe Thomas must contend with Theo Jackson and Jay Ward for playing time because coaches expect him as an injury replacement.

Summary

Vikings Trade Talk

Vikings are reportedly weighing a trade that would move quarterback J.J. McCarthy to another team.
Analyst Brandon Little says the motive may be to acquire a long-term starter, while no official source has confirmed the talks.
Cornerback Demmings, a 5th-round pick with extensive starting experience, will be evaluated in training camp for 5-10 rotational snaps under Brian Flores’ complex coverage system.

History

Historical Context

In 2000, the Baltimore Ravens, coordinated by Marvin Lewis, set an NFL record by allowing only 165 points and forcing 49 turnovers, a defense that powered their Super Bowl XXXV win. That edge-focused scheme, built around Ray Lewis with a thin interior line, is echoed today by the Minnesota Vikings, who rely on many rookie defensive starters to generate pressure.

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Vikings Eye Banks

The Vikings expect first-round pick Caleb Banks to win the starting defensive end job if his broken left foot fully heals.
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has started only one rookie since 2023, leaving his defense with the NFL’s second-fewest rookie starts (16) and snaps (2,110).
The Vikings are considering veteran edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who posted 8.5 sacks in 2025 after a $3.45 million one-year deal the previous season.

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