In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings selected Levi Drake Rodriguez as their 232nd overall pick, choosing him as a defensive tackle from Texas A&M-Commerce. This selection was notable as he was the 12th pick in the seventh round of the draft. Despite not being ranked among the top 300 prospects on the draft board, Rodriguez brings a unique skill set that the Vikings hope to develop into a valuable asset for their defense.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Levi Drake Rodriguez’s Skills

Rodriguez is characterized as a player with a high motor and significant upside potential. While there is a need for further development in his game, he possesses the qualities necessary to become at least a rotational player at defensive tackle. With the right coaching and experience, he has the potential to transition from the FCS level to a more substantial starting role in the NFL as he hones his skills and adapts to the demands of professional football.

Key Athletic Traits That Set Rodriguez Apart

Standing slightly shorter than most defensive tackles, Rodriguez displays average athleticism but compensates with a rapid first step that, while not fully captured in his RAS report, showcases his explosiveness off the line. As he approaches his 24th birthday in August, his age may play a role in his development and ability to adapt to the rigors of the NFL.

In-Depth College Performance Statistics

Throughout his collegiate career, Rodriguez started 26 games over three seasons at Southwestern Assemblies of God before transferring to Texas A&M-Commerce in 2022. During his time there, he earned 21 starts across two seasons, accumulating an impressive total of 13.5 tackles for loss, which included 7.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His performance did not go unnoticed, as he was named First Team All-SLC and awarded Tropical Bowl MVP in his final season, showcasing his impact and skill on the field.

Detailed PFF Performance Metrics

In the 2024 NFL Draft class, Rodriguez stood out as the highest-graded overall starting interior defensive lineman in the FCS. His performance was exceptional, as he was also rated as the top pass rusher in his class, illustrating his dual-threat capability. Additionally, he ranked 12th among run defenders and 22nd as a tackler within the same group, indicating his well-rounded abilities.

Rodriguez excelled in several key performance metrics, boasting the highest pass rush win rate percentage, tying for the most sacks, and holding the second-highest pass rush efficiency rating among FCS interior defenders last season. Furthermore, he achieved the second-highest run stop percentage, which considers tackles deemed wins for the defense, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively in both pass and run scenarios.

It’s essential to take these statistics into account, as they reflect his performance against FCS competition, which typically presents a different challenge than FBS opponents. Consequently, many of the players he faced may not transition to the NFL, making his performance even more intriguing to analyze.

Expert Scouting Insights on Levi Drake Rodriguez

Lance Zierlein’s Analysis from NFL.com

Player Overview

Rodriguez plays with an immense heart and an unwavering motor, yet he lacks the typical NFL size and strength. He consistently puts forth great

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