EAGAN, Minn. – The Vikings added depth to their defensive line in the seventh round of this year's draft.
Minnesota tabbed Levi Drake Rodriguez with the 232nd overall selection.
Last season, Rodriguez garnered First-Team All-Southland Conference honors in 2023 for Texas A&M-Commerce. He led the Lions with 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks in 10 games.
Rodriguez was invited to the Tropical Bowl in January, where he was named the MVP after shining throughout the week and capping it with three sacks in the game. His selection (and this week's reveal) as Prospect X added to Rodriguez's pre-draft experience.
Here are five things to know about the Vikings new defensive lineman:
- FCS All-American
Following his 2023 campaign, Rodriguez was selected to the Pro Football Focus FCS All-America Team. He was one of two defensive linemen on the team (Thor Griffith, Harvard), which is voted on by 13 PFF analysts and data collectors.
Rodriguez also was named to the First-Team All-Southland Defense after leading the conference in sacks and ranking fourth in tackles for loss.
- Started out in Waxahachie
Rodriguez has taken a unique – and unlikely – path to the NFL.
Before transferring to Texas A&M-Commerce, he played baseball and football for three seasons at
Southwestern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, south of Dallas.
- The 1st to do it
Rodriguez attended East View High School in Georgetown, Texas.
He marks the first East View alum to be selected in the NFL Draft.
- Earned his degree
Rodriguez graduated in December 2023 with his Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
- Committed to his faith
Rodriguez is devout in his Christian faith. When speaking with Twin Cities media members after getting drafted by Minnesota, he told them via videoconference that he fasted and prayed before making a final decision to transfer to Texas A&M-Commerce.
Rodriguez has Psalm 23:4 tattooed on his forearm: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
