In the 2024 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings made their selection in the seventh round by choosing Levi Drake Rodriguez, a defensive lineman from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Rodriguez, hailing from Georgetown – Eastview, marks the first Lion player to be drafted since 2000 and the 31st NFL/AFL draft pick in the program's history.
During his time with the Lions, spanning two seasons, Rodriguez demonstrated his skills with 80 tackles and seven sacks, earning recognition such as first team all-Southland Conference honors and a spot on Pro Football Focus’ First Team All-America.
Rodriguez joins a legacy of Lion players drafted by the Vikings, with Minnesota selecting players from A&M-Commerce four times previously. Notably, Antonio Wilson, also drafted by the Vikings in 2000, was the last Lion selected before Rodriguez. Other Lion draftees to the Vikings include Autry Beamon, Wade Wilson, and Antonio Wilson, all of whom are Lion Athletics Hall of Famers.
