Vikings Add Another Veteran Defender
In last month’s draft, the Minnesota Vikings didn’t just draft Caleb Banks in the first round to reinforce the defensive line, but they also selected Domonique Orange in the third to further bolster the defensive front.
Given that some contributors from last year remain, one could’ve thought the defensive line was set. Since the conclusion of that draft, however, the Vikings have signed a pair of experienced defenders, starting with Eric Johnson, who has 51 career games under his belt.
This week, the club acquired Isaiahh Loudermilk, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The team announced, “The Vikings are adding a veteran defensive lineman to the roster. Minnesota has signed Isaiahh Loudermilk, the team announced Thursday.”
Loudermilk was a Steelers fifth-round selection in 2021, one spot ahead of Minnesota’s pick of receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette. He spent all five years in Pittsburgh, appearing in 60 games (7 starts). The defender has scored 63 tackles and 1 sack in 844 defensive snaps and another 363 on special teams.
The Vikings aren’t getting a difference-maker, but a rotational depth piece who has carved out a nice career in that role. There must be something to him if Mike Tomlin employed the former Wisconsin Badger for five campaigns.
SI.com‘s Christian Borman noted on Loudermilk’s college journey: ‘During his time in Madison, Loudermilk was a solid presence along the Badgers’ defensive line and a highly productive player. In 40 games with Wisconsin, he totaled 63 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, and nine passes defended. Loudermilk will lean on his experience to earn a spot on the Vikings team that desperately needs someone to make an impact from the defensive line position.”
At 6’7″, Loudermilk is one of the tallest defenders in the league. He’s listed at 293 lbs.
In Pittsburgh, he also met Flores during his brief one-year stint as linebackers coach in 2022 and new DBs coach Gerald Alexander, who was employed by the Steelers in 2022 and 2023. He’s also not the first player the franchise secured from the Steelers. In March, as the first acquisition in free agency, the Vikings signed cornerback James Pierre, who’s expected to enter the cornerback rotation following his breakout year in 2025.
The Vikings suddenly have a crowded defensive line:
- Jalen Redmond
- Caleb Banks
- Domonique Orange
- Levi Drake Rodriguez
- Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
- Isaiahh Loudermilk
- Eric Johnson
- Taki Taimani
- Elijah Williams
- Monkell Goodwine
- Smith Vilbert
The top four players are probably on the team, barring any shocking developments. Redmond developed into a force along the defensive line last year and the Vikings hope there’s even more untapped potential.
Rookies Banks and Orange could get playing time early in their careers after the exits of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. The Vikings have exactly two unclaimed spots in the starting lineup.
Levi Drake Rodriguez played nearly half of the defensive snaps a year ago and his arrow is still pointing up after his first season with meaningful snaps. The 2024 7th-rounder could be a sneaky breakout candidate, but he needs to fend off at least one rookie to increase his snap count.
Then, it gets a little interesting, with the two veterans added to the mix. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins and Elijah Williams both got playing time in their rookie seasons, but nothing is guaranteed beyond that. They have to duel with the experienced players in training camp and the preseason.
Taimani provides depth as a run-stopping specialist and can likely be penciled in as a practice-squad player. Goodwine and Vilbert are undrafted rookies and, therefore, wild cards and long shots at the same time.
Loudermilk is 28.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.