Will Ragatz

Will Ragatz

Joined: Apr 23, 2024

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

Sep 17, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats offensive lineman Gavin Gerhardt (53) snaps the ball against the Miami Redhawks in the second half at Paycor Stadium.

Oct 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons running back Demond Claiborne (1) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Lane Stadium.

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew van Ginkel (43) reacts with linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Michigan tight end Max Bredeson (44) warms up ahead of the Purdue game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Miami safety Jakobe Thomas is the newest member of the Vikings' secondary.

News

The Vikings went defense with three of their four picks on Friday night. Let's dive into all four players.

Dec 1, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) reacts during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at U.S. Bank Stadium.

News

The Vikings' difficult decision to trade Greenard was driven by the financial element, according to Rob Brzezinski.

Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive back Jakobe Thomas (8) against the Indiana Hoosiers during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium.

News

The Vikings took Northwestern OT Caleb Tiernan and Miami S Jakobe Thomas with their final two picks on Day 2.

Sep 6, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive lineman Domonique Orange (95) reacts late in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Jack Trice Stadium.

News

Big Citrus is the newest member of the Vikings, who have taken two defensive tackles in their first three picks.

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.

News

The Vikings received two late third-round picks in exchange for arguably their best defensive player.

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) celebrates his sack against the Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.

News

Greenard, who wanted a raise, has been dealt away after two seasons in Minnesota.

Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) is unable to hold on to a catch as he is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) and defensive back Tre Gola-Callard (6) in the second half at Nippert Stadium.

News

The Vikings passed on a safety again and went with Golday, a toolsy linebacker.

Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (DL02) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

News

Banks is confident he can develop into a special player under Minnesota's coaches.

Florida DT Caleb Banks was the Vikings' pick at No. 18 overall.

The Vikings took a huge swing on upside by drafting Banks ahead of where many analysts had him going.

Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) celebrates with the ball after a fumble recovery against the LSU Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

Banks, who is recovering from a broken foot, was an unexpected pick from the Vikings. Here's why he was their choice at No. 18.

Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) hypes the crowd during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, October 7, 2023.

In a surprise move, the Vikings passed on Dillon Thieneman and went with Banks.

Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman poses on the red carpet before the 2026 NFL Draft at Point State Park.

These are the draft prospects to know for the Vikings at pick 18 (or after a trade down) on Thursday night.