NFL commentator Field Yates referred to defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez, a seventh-round selection by the Vikings, as “one of the draft’s hidden gems.”
“Rodriguez finished his college career at Texas A&M-Commerce and just destroyed opposing interior offensive lines during his time there,” he said. Scouts were drawn to his impressive burst during the previous season, and Minnesota may have found a sleeper in him. In 2023, he recorded 5.5 sacks and 7.5 tackles for loss.”
Rodriguez was selected by Minnesota in the seventh round with the No. 232 overall pick, but many analysts are still projecting Rodriguez as a late-round “sleeper”.
At Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU), he competed at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) level and was listed at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds. At the school, he participated in baseball and football.
He played for three seasons in Waxahachie, Texas, before transferring to Texas A&M Commerce, a Division One (FCS) school in the Southland Conference. In 21 games over the course of two seasons, he racked up 88 tackles, 13.5 for loss, and 7.5 sacks.
Last season, he received an 89.5 PFF Grade, which was among the highest in the nation. Now, he will carry on his incredible football journey in Minnesota.
