The Minnesota Vikings turned heads with their first-round pick in this year’s draft by selecting defensive tackle Caleb Banks. They then doubled down and drafted Domonique Orange in the third round. There has been plenty of criticism of the Vikings’ draft, but as a big proponent of building in the trenches first, I give it a thumbs up.

A Bigger DT Front Now Sits at the Center of the Vikings Plan

There was a lot of focus on the safety position going into this draft, and there are still questions to be answered there despite the Vikings drafting Jakobe Thomas late in the third round. There were several options to add at the defensive tackle position over the first two days of the draft. Minnesota chose Banks and Orange to add to Jalen Redmond, giving the Vikings an exciting young trio on the interior of the defensive line.

Up until news of his most recent foot injury, Banks was my favored option for the Vikings at 18. Usually, medical red flags frighten teams away – see Jermod McCoy’s slide to the fourth round this year – but the Vikings chose to gamble on Banks’ health.

Banks has the talent, he wowed at the NFL combine despite having already injured his foot – unknown at the time – and looked like he was about to rise to the top end of the first round draft board. His injury history is a major concern that needs a solution, but I still like adding Banks.

Many feel like he could have been gotten after trading back for better value, but the cards are dealt now. The success of this pick will be judged by what Banks does on the field. At 6’6 and 327 lbs, Banks is a monster in the middle who can dominate against both the pass and rush – if he can stay healthy.

The Vikings showed interest in Orange in the build-up to the draft, but after drafting Banks in the first, it was perhaps a slight surprise they drafted him in the third. Orange is stouter than Banks at 6’2 and 322 lbs, and he’s not there for finesse. Orange can be the solid, immovable foundation for Redmond, Banks, and the Vikings’ pass rushers to work around. I really like the pick, and with strength up front, the rest of the defense can fall into place.

A Change to the Same Plan

Last year, the Vikings also looked to bolster their interior defensive line, but they did it by spending big money on veteran free agents. Neither Jonathan Allen nor Javon Hargrave had the desired effect, and neither of them will be back in Minnesota for the 2026 season.

Will the different approach this season have more success? Allen and Hargrave were decent for the Vikings, but no more, and if Banks and Orange can offer that level of play to Brian Flores’ defense at a fraction of the price. That is a win for Minnesota.

Of course, there is also more longevity to this plan, with the hope that Banks and Orange will become big contributors to the Vikings’ defense for years to come. With Redmond as the only interior defensive lineman who is truly established, the pathway is clear for the two rookies to get early playing time in their careers.

Their competition includes Levi Drake-Rodriguez, Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Taki Taimani, and Elijah Williams. If both live up to their expectations, and particularly in Banks’ case, stay healthy, both Banks and Orange should see plenty of playing time in their rookie seasons, and both can make a positive impact.

Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.

The latest episode of Monday Night Raw saw the feuds and storylines shift gears with WWE Backlash a few weeks away. Fresh off the fallout from WrestleMania, the energy was electric in Laredo, Texas, where fans witnessed a night packed with thrilling matches and compelling moments. Stars like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch were all in the house.

WWE’s creative head, Triple H, has been in the midst of criticisms lately due to his contentious booking decisions. Last night’s show was nowhere near a five-star classic, but Hunter still managed to give fans some noteworthy moments. Whether it was Oba Femi’s big decision about his future or making certain matches official for Backlash, a few things were taken care of.

Here are five things Triple H got right on WWE RAW this week:

#5. Booking Asuka vs. IYO SKY for WWE Backlash

The Asuka vs. IYO SKY feud has been hanging in the balance for quite some time now. It was “in the works” for far too long, with no actual payoff. But it looks like WWE finally took some initiative this week as the company decided to shift gears. The Empress of Tomorrow cost IYO SKY her match against Becky Lynch last night and right after that, she also wrapped IYO in her submission hold.

This rivalry finally took a serious turn on RAW. Soon after, WWE made SKY vs. Asuka official for Backlash, a match that should have happened at WrestleMania 42. While the wait was long, the good thing is it’s finally happening. Triple H made a good decision by letting the two former Damage CTRL members compete in a singles match at the upcoming premium live event.

#4. Oba Femi declaring his own Open Challenge

Oba Femi has been directionless since defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. This was a problem that started to concern the WWE Universe and it looks like The Ruler was feeling the same. As a result, Femi made a bold proclamation this week on Monday Night Raw, stating that he will officially start his own open challenges from next week for the entire roster.

That was a solid decision that stirred a fresh wave of excitement among fans. Oba Femi is currently the hottest thing on the red brand and he needed something significant to continue his momentum. Hence, it was a good decision to keep Femi’s momentum sailing. Besides, every superstar who steps up to him each week will get the opportunity to be in the spotlight.

#3. Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins’ validation

Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker have been involved in brawls and fights for the past two weeks. However, things were different this week. The two superstars stood toe-to-toe with each other under the same roof. Breakker and Rollins were involved in an incredible promo segment, where they had a fiery exchange of words. Most importantly, it gave both the chance to say what they had been holding off in their chest.

Honestly, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker ruled every bit of it, dragging in some personal things. The fact that Triple H gave them a segment to express their thoughts was a fantastic decision. It was very much needed for both superstars to explain why their animosity began in the first place. Therefore, Rollins and Breakker trying to validate their points was just the right move.

#2. The Judgment Day’s dominance on RAW

Liv Morgan has been riding red-hot after capturing the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42. But the other members of The Judgment Day needed to shine as well. And this week’s Monday Night Raw finally gave that. Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez battled Bayley and Lyra Valkyria in a tag team match where they secured a huge victory.

Following the bout, Morgan, Perez and Rodriguez were seen standing tall in the ring shoulder-to-shoulder, showcasing their dominance. The Judgment Day finally looked like a strong unit in that very moment. WWE did a commendable job there by putting the faction in the spotlight even in the absence of Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh on Monday Night Raw.

#1. Jacob Fatu drew first blood on Roman Reigns

The biggest highlight of Monday Night Raw was the segment between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu. The two superstars were involved in a heated exchange of words, igniting personal animosity. But things boiled over when Reigns refused to give Fatu a shot at his title, stating that handing him an opportunity just like that would be nepotism. However, The Samoan Werewolf couldn’t digest it.

He went right after the OTC, choking him with a Tongan Death Grip. Jacob Fatu became completely unhinged as he unleashed his fury on the champ. It eventually led to Roman Reigns accepting his challenge for Backlash. WWE made this match official for the upcoming PLE and what a way to do it. Triple H showcased the segment incredibly on RAW, adding a personal layer to it.