Trevor Ripley· Sep 4, 2026
Ripley argues Vikings rookie DT Caleb Banks, despite a slow start, could work his way into significant snaps and win the 2026 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, posting around five or six sacks and possibly an interception.
“Five or six sacks, a dozen tackles for loss and maybe an interception or two into Banks's big mitts may be enough for him to shock everyone and win DROY.”
published in writing · Sports Illustrated · read the original →
3 checkable claims — 1 award pick, 1 depth chart call and 1 player season number — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 2 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 1 unsettled call enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room.
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Who this take is about
3 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
Caleb Banks to record 5 sacks
“Five or six sacks, a dozen tackles for loss and maybe an interception or two”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Caleb Banks to be 1st on the depth chart
“there's a very real path where Banks works his way up into the starting lineup rather quickly”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Award PicksCaleb BanksMinnesota VikingsSep 4, 2026
Caleb Banks to win Defensive Rookie of the Year
“Caleb Banks' path to the 2026 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award may be smoother than it appears... may be enough for him to shock everyone and win DROY.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
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More depth chart calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
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