O’Connell: Banks will be ready for training camp

Banks did not participate in the Vikings’ rookie minicamp today, and it is unclear whether he will participate in organized team activities and/or mandatory minicamp in June. Prior to the 2026 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that Banks was “on pace to be fully cleared for full football activities in early June.” We do not know if Banks’ rehab is going slower than expected or if the Vikings are just being extra cautious. Regardless, we expect updates as training camp gets closer.

Banks (6’6/330) flashed major disruptive upside along Florida’s interior in 2023–24 before a foot injury cut short his 2025 campaign. He took a clear step forward in 2024, playing 422 snaps with his pass-rush grade climbing to 73.2 with 29 total pressures, 4 sacks, and 21 hurries, establishing him as one of the SEC’s more effective interior disruptors. Banks’ tackling efficiency was solid in 2023 with an 11.8 percent miss rate, but rose to a somewhat concerning 26.1 percent in 2024. He really helped himself in the offseason, showing out at the Senior Bowl before assembling a superb 9.83 RAS score with a strong Combine performance. Unfortunately, Banks’ 2025 breakout bid was derailed by a foot injury after just 96 snaps, but his prior two-year trajectory reflects a plus athlete with real interior penetration skills and an intriguing pass-rush ceiling that Florida coaches believed he was just beginning to unlock. The big question mark now surrounds his health. Banks is reportedly expected to be cleared for contact in early June. If that comes true and the foot issue is behind him, this could look like a value for the Vikings in hindsight.

Per Thamel, the news comes directly from a letter sent to NFL teams regarding Banks’ health. After undergoing a CT scan on his foot, all signs point toward him being ready well ahead of training camp. Banks suffered a broken bone in his foot at the NFL Combine. He underwent surgery a few weeks after the events. Banks opened the draft process as a first-round hopeful, but now it looks like he will have to wait until Day Two to hear his name called. Health permitting, he should be able to contribute in a rotational role by Week 1.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler reports that Banks will be sidelined until June. The fracture occurred in his fourth metatarsal, which was surgically repaired by Dr. Norman Waldrop on March 9th, 2025. Banks totaled three solo tackles, one TFL and three quarterback pressures last year. Banks suffered a foot injury during Florida’s 2025 training camp and missed the first two games. He played in his team’s third game but suffered a foot fracture that required surgery, sidelining him until Week 13. It is unclear whether his most recent injury is a re-injury or a separate issue.

Banks (6'6/255) pledged to ASU without visiting campus. He’ll have to wait out the current dead period before such as a trip becomes possible. The Southfield, Michigan, standout is a versatile athlete. Not only does he play basketball along with football, he is being recruited both as an offensive and defensive lineman. Arizona State has been recruiting Banks for the defensive side of the equation. Rivals ranks Banks as the No. 24 prospect in the state of Michigan for the 2021 cycle. A nice cross-country reach for Sun Devils HC Herm Edwards, here.