At Long Last, the Vikings Bring in a Defensive Tackle in the 2024 NFL Draft
Josh Frey
|
The Minnesota Vikings’ final pick of the 2024 NFL Draft is No. 232.
With that final pick of the draft, the Vikings have finally decided to bring in some defensive tackle help. That newest addition comes in the form of Levi Drake Rodriguez, who spent his collegiate years at Texas A&M-Commerce.
Vikings Draft Levi Drake Rodriguez
Rodriguez began his collegiate career Southwestern Assemblies of God where he played for three seasons before transferring to Texas A&M-Commerce in 2022. During his two seasons at TAMU-Commerce, Rodriguez put together 88 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.
A pass rushing presence at the defensive tackle spot has been a major need for the Vikings for a couple of years, and that need becomes even more apparent after Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and D.J. Wonnum departed in free agency.
That trio accounted for 26.5 of Minnesota’s 43 sacks during the 2023 season, including Hunter’s 16.5 sacks. Of course, the Vikings have worked hard to try and rebuild their group of edge rushers by bringing in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. Then, the Vikings also selected Dallas Turner during the first round of the draft.
Assuming the Vikings don’t make another trade to get back into the end of the seventh round, Rodriguez will serve as Minnesota’s final selection of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Focus and Pro Football Reference.
It’s Another Offensive Lineman for the Vikings with the 230th Overall Pick
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.