The Minnesota Vikings are firmly entrenched in OTAs and are progressing toward training camp at TCO Performance Center. This will be the third season under head coach Kevin O’Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah while also being a turning point in the future of the organization.
To prepare for the pivotal 2024 season, we will break down each player on the 90-man roster leading up to training camp. In this series, we will look into their background, scheme fit, best and worst case scenario along with what to expect from each player. It will also help gain more insight on each player going into the year, especially with players who haven’t gotten much fanfare.
Is Levi Drake Rodriguez a secret weapon for the Vikings?
Background
Dubbed “Prospect X” this past season by The Athletic’s Kalyn Kahler, Rodriguez was an under-the-radar defensive lineman at the FCS level. He started at the NAIA program Southwestern Assemblies of God University before transferring up to Texas A&M Commerce in the Southland conference. He played his final two collegiate seasons for the Lions and improved drastically from year to year with PFF grades of 89.3 overall and a pass rush grade of 91.0. He was selected with the 232nd overall pick by the Vikings and is entering into a great situation.
Scheme fit
Defensive coordinator Brian Flores loves the ability to be versatile with his defense and Rodriguez can do a little bit of everything. He likely fits in as a 3T/4i initially but don’t be surprised if he plays some nose tackle with his bulk up since the college football season ended.
Best case scenario
Coming into a weak defensive line room, Rodriguez thrives, especially in pass-rush situations with his motor and quickness off the ball. Since the Vikings don’t have a ton of depth on the defensive line, Rodriguez finds a way to not just make the roster, but also a spot in the rotation.
Worst case scenario
Coming from the FCS level proves to be a difficult transition for Rodriguez, especially since he’s in the process of bulking up and getting stronger. He gets outplayed by multiple players and is waived on the final cutdown day. If he clears waivers, which could prove difficult, Rodriguez ends up on the practice squad.
What to expect in 2024
Getting quality defensive linemen is paramount for the Vikings. They do believe that Rodriguez has the skills to thrive as a penetrating pass rusher but it’s likely going to be a long process for him to do so.
When you watch his film, the athleticism and motor pop off the screen. What doesn’t pop off is a ton of technique. It’s common to see since athleticism often wins at the college level without having to maximize technique. That will likely prove to be a challenge for him at the NFL level, but he finds a way to make the roster with his potential and the fact that it could be hard to sneak him onto the practice squad.
Previous player profiles
Devron Harper | Ty James | Trey Knox | Gabriel Murphy | Dwight McGlothern | Dallas Gant | Doug Nester | Jeshaun Jones | Taki Taimani | Jeremy Flax | Spencer Rolland | Tyler Manoa | Bo Richter | Jaren Hall | Lucky Jackson | K.J. Cloyd
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