EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings added to their offensive line group during the 2022 NFL Draft by tabbing tackle Vederian Lowe in the sixth round with the 184th overall pick.

A former standout at Illinois, Lowe will remain in Big Ten territory as he starts his NFL journey.

Here are five things to know about the new Viking:

1. Fighting Illini record

Lowe impressed during his time with the Fighting Illini, starting a school-record 52 games for Illinois.

The lineman earned Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors in 2020 and 2021.

2. Family first

Lowe and his wife Haylee have two young sons, Trey and Kingston, who are just shy of 1 and 3 years old, respectively.

He additionally gained legal guardianship of his 15-year-old brother, Vydalis, after the tragic death of their mother, who passed away three years ago.

Though Lowe acknowledged he's "been through the ringer" of adversity, he carries a lot of optimism about life and appreciates the opportunity to anchor a loving family.

"Me and my brother are total opposites. I'm the sports guy, always been the sports guy. He's always been the smart kid; he likes video games and stuff like that. We're definitely polar opposites," Lowe laughed after being drafted. "[But] We're all very happy; we're very happy that we're going to be in Minnesota."

3. Giving spirit

Having a wife and three young men to look after keeps Lowe busy, but he always makes time for other community members, as well.

In 2019, Lowe autographed a pair of his gloves and gave them to an 8-year-old Illini fan who received gloves from another player but had them taken.

4. Reared in Rockford

Lowe is a native of Rockford, Illinois, where he played at Auburn High School.

As a senior, Lowe helped Auburn to a 10-2 record and the Illinois state quarterfinals.

Lowe is one of just two players from Illinois on the Vikings roster, joining linebacker Tuf Borland (Bolingbrook).

5. Earned his degree

Lowe graduated in December 2021 with a bachelor's degree in communication.

In his Instagram post about the event, Lowe said he'd made "this promise to my mother that I would finish college."

"Graduating from one of the best universities in the country means absolutely everything to me, and I forever cherish this," Lowe wrote.