• Levi Drake Rodriguez, a seventh-round pick, has become a standout for Minnesota’s defense in 2025.
• Trading Harrison Phillips to the Jets paved the way for young talents like Rodriguez to shine.
• Rodriguez’s five run stuffs and dominant Week 3 performance signal his growing impact.
• The Vikings’ defensive line, paired with elite edge rushers, remains a powerhouse.
• Minnesota’s front office continues to uncover late-round talent, with Rodriguez as the latest success.

Having followed the Vikings through years of thrilling defenses, I’m genuinely excited about Levi Drake Rodriguez emerging as a Vikings breakout star. When training camp began, Minnesota’s defensive line looked stacked, but few saw a seventh-rounder stealing the spotlight. 

Let’s explore Vikings breakout star, how Rodriguez is turning heads and why the Vikings’ roster moves are paying off. All stats are current as of September 25, 2025, per Pro Football Focus (PFF) unless noted.

A Surprising Trade Opens Doors

Minnesota kicked off 2025 with a loaded defensive front: Javon Hargrave, Jonathan Allen, and Harrison Phillips, with Jalen Redmond rotating in. Their edge rushers—Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Dallas Turner—plus linebackers Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr., made this unit a force. Then came a curveball: on August 20, the Vikings traded Phillips to the Jets for a sixth-round pick.

The move raised eyebrows—Phillips was a run-stopping rock in Brian Flores’ system. But it was about giving young players like Rodriguez and Redmond a shot. It’s like a coach subbing out a veteran to let a rookie shine, and so far, it’s working.

Rodriguez Steps Into the Spotlight

Levi Drake Rodriguez, a 25-year-old seventh-round pick, has become the Vikings breakout star. His roster spot was uncertain early in preseason, with undrafted rookie Elijah Williams impressing. But Rodriguez locked it in during the third preseason game against Tennessee, notching two sacks. 

In the regular season, he’s tied for fifth on the team with five run stuffs and shined in Week 3’s 48-10 blowout of the Bengals, playing a career-high 38 snaps.

Chasing down Jake Browning, Rodriguez’s 300-pound frame and flowing hair were everywhere. Alec Lewis of The Athletic raved: “Levi’s relentless, with crazy energy, haunting Browning all game.” It’s like watching a freight train with linebacker speed, disrupting everything.

Why His Rise Matters

Rodriguez’s stats—five run stuffs and sneaky pass-rush skills—tell part of the story. His Week 3 dominance shows he’s filling Phillips’ shoes. This reflects GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s talent for finding late-round steals, like finding a vintage gem at a garage sale. With Redmond adding seven pressures and six run stuffs in 104 snaps, Minnesota’s defensive line remains elite, backed by a top-tier edge group.

The Phillips Trade Pays Off

A month post-trade, the Phillips move looks savvy. Minnesota trusted their depth, and Rodriguez’s emergence proves them right. The run defense and pass rush are as strong as ever, like a band replacing a key member without missing a beat. This unit is built for a deep playoff run.

What’s Next for Rodriguez?

Rodriguez’s motor and growing role suggest he’s here to stay. As the Vikings face tougher foes, his ability to clog run lanes and pressure quarterbacks will be key. He’s a name to watch.

Final Thoughts

As a Vikings fan who’s seen plenty of underdog stories, Rodriguez’s rise feels like classic Minnesota magic—turning a late-round pick into a game-changer. The Phillips trade was a bold bet that’s paying off, and with this defense firing on all cylinders, I’m pumped for what’s ahead in 2025. Grab your purple jersey and keep an eye on Rodriguez—he’s the spark we didn’t expect.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.