MIN Levi Drake Rodriguez
NFL player. Position: Defensive Tackle (DT). Team: Minnesota Vikings.
Quick Facts
- Position: Defensive Tackle (NT/DT)
- Team: Minnesota Vikings
2026 Outlook
Drake Rodriguez was Minnesota's starting nose tackle after Javon Hargrave's exit, but his long-term role shifted dramatically when the Vikings drafted two defensive tackles in the early rounds. When Caleb Banks (Round 1) and Domonique Orange (Round 2) joined the roster, Drake Rodriguez dropped to NT2, losing his clear path to a starting role. While still useful in rotation, his long-term potential is now limited. (per 4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice After the Draft)
July 30 training camp pressure: During early camp, Domonique Orange rotated in at nose tackle for Drake Rodriguez, indicating the rookie is already getting first-defense reps in the competition for playing time. This signals that the Vikings' defensive line rotation may not include Drake Rodriguez as a key contributor, with the team prioritizing their invested draft capital in the position. (per Lunchbreak: Vikings Quarterback Comparisons Early in Camp; Rookies' Fits with Teams)
Role / Depth Chart
- Current role: NT/DT rotation player alongside Caleb Banks, Domonique Orange, and Isaiahh Loudermilk
- Vikings' August depth chart shows Drake Rodriguez in the three-deep at nose tackle, confirming his backup role in the defensive line rotation (per Vikings Release 1st Unofficial Depth Chart of 2026 Season)
- The Vikings' draft of Orange and Banks moved him from a potential starter consideration to a depth rotation player
Recent News
- 2026-05-05 — Vikings Suddenly Have One of NFL’s Most Intense Roster Battles (Vikings Suddenly Have One of NFL’s Most Intense Roster Battles)
- 2026-05-03 — Post-draft roster bubble analysis; his starting role replaced by newer draft picks (4 Vikings Players on Thin Ice After the Draft)