Vikings Draft Caleb Banks at 18 Despite Foot Injury Risk

The Minnesota Vikings shocked the NFL by selecting Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in the first round, despite his ongoing recovery from foot surgery.

The move is being called one of the boldest and riskiest selections of the entire first round. Most teams avoid drafting injured players so early because of the uncertainty around their recovery.

However, medical reports show Banks will be fully cleared from his foot surgery by early June, well before training camp begins. The Vikings expressed confidence in their decision despite the risk.

"We have complete confidence in them. There's no pick without risk, but we feel very good about where Caleb will be when it's time to go to training camp," team officials said. "So we're comfortable with the injury."

Banks himself discussed his foot problems in detail Thursday night after being drafted. The timing suggests the Vikings believe his talent outweighs the medical concerns.