​If you’re looking for clues about whether the popular Minnesota Vikings rookies will start Week 1, they have trickled in, thanks to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. Training camp will obviously sort out camp battles, but the Vikings front office and coaching staff evidently expect two main rookies to start sooner rather than later: Caleb Banks (DT) and Domonique Orange (NT).And that’s exactly the kind of news fans have waited for — rookies who contribute.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFlorida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks greets fans with high-fives after the Orange and Blue spring game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, sharing a relaxed moment near the stands. On Apr. 13, 2023, Banks acknowledges supporters after Orange defeated Blue 10-7 in Gainesville, closing the annual showcase with a personal connection. Mandatory Credit: Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun.Seifert on Vikings RookiesExploring the topic of rookie starters for the Vikings, Seifert wrote Monday, “Internally, the Vikings believe first-round pick Caleb Banks should win a starting defensive end job if his broken left foot is fully healed. Third-round selection Domonique Orange is also expected to challenge Levi Drake Rodriguez at nose tackle.”“Second-round pick Jake Golday began this spring as an off-ball linebacker, meaning he is likely to be a backup behind veterans Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson, and third-round pick Jakobe Thomas should be in the mix for the safety job that will open if veteran Harrison Smith follows through on plans for retirement.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMinnesota drafting two defensive tackles in the first three rounds was quite surprising for onlookers.Seifert added, “Flores was heavily involved in the Vikings’ 2026 draft strategy and presumably has long-term plans for all four players, in addition to cornerback Charles Demmings, a fifth-round selection.”“But no one would be surprised to see any or all of them mired under the weight of either the scheme or Flores’ fiery approach — or both.”Banks and Orange profile for immediacy; the rest may be saved for a rainy day.The Case for BanksThe Banks revelation should be a relief for Vikings fans — not a reason to rejoice. Minnesota swerved in April by drafting him, making it one of the most shocking moments of the offseason and in recent Vikings draft history. Most general managers are skeptical about drafting linemen — offense or defense — with back-to-back foot injuries, but the Vikings’ brass simply didn’t care.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe neat part about Banks is the upside. Before the second foot injury, he was forecasted to fly off the board in Round 1; it was just a matter of which team. Then, the broken foot at the NFL Combine surfaced, and Banks became an automatic 2nd-Rounder.The Vikings disagreed, and here we are.If Banks starts against the Green Bay Packers on September 13th, the Vikings’ decision-makers will look like the smartest kids in