3 Rising Vikings Defenders to Watch in the Giants Preseason Game

The Vikings defenders who are looking to shine against the Giants are ample.

In particular, there’s the cluster of rookie newcomers looking to prove they belong. So, too, is there a broader collection of depth players looking to prove to the coaching staff and front office that they’re deserving of one of those coveted 53-man roster spots. Check out players looking to prove they’ve got what it takes to earn a full-time job for the 2026 Minnesota Vikings.

3 Vikings Defenders to Watch Versus the Giants

Player No. 1 — DT Caleb Banks

Put a dent into the line of scrimmage: that’s the task ahead of Caleb Banks.

The towering defensive tackle is a massive presence, a truth that even applies to the NFL’s trenches. Mr. Banks moves well but is coming off injury. Some of the concern has to do with his need for added refinement — an issue connected to health since there are less on-field reps when a player is recovering (see: McCarthy, J.J.).

Seeing Banks reach his potential will mean that the Vikings boast somebody who is going to demand double teams, thereby opening further room for his teammates. Leaving him in consistent one-on-one battles should lead to the rookie winning a pile of his reps.

Caleb Banks is wearing #95.

Player No. 2 — CB Chuck Demmings

Currently, Chuck Demmings is listed as a third-string player. How long does that hold?

The long-and-strong rookie boasts plenty of swagger. He’s a very outgoing, charming young fella who boasts excellent wheels. Add it all together and it’s hard not to step away impressed by where he’s at and where he could still go.

Watch Demmings before the snap. He looks confident lining up directly across from the receiver. Getting directly over the receiver’s toes prior to the ball being snapped is a direct challenge to that pass catcher. Gotta love that swagger from a young lad. He’s the likely CB4 who will be pushing for a more prominent job.

The corner will be wearing the #20.

Player No. 3 — EDGE Bo Richter

Bo Richter is a depth edge rusher who has been employed for a pair of seasons already.

Originally, he arrived in the Twin Cities as an undrafted talent following the 2024 NFL Draft. He has since become a stalwart on special teams, as evidenced by his 639 combined snaps for Matt Daniels in these past two years. For comparison, he has only demanded 81 snaps on defense. Can that change going into 2026?

As things stand, the EDGE3 job is wide open. Most insist that somebody who isn’t an edge rusher is going to be that edge rusher. Think Ty Ingram-Dawkins, Eric Wilson, and/or Jake Golday. Richter is looking to show he can secure the job. He’s a really good athlete but there are concerns about him being just 6’1″, a decent step behind the normal length of an NFL edge rusher.

The depth edge rusher can be found inside the #98 jersey.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.