3 Sneaky Vikings X-Factor Players Helping Fuel the Perfect Start

Credit: IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Connect

Everyone learns about Kyler Murray, Justin Jefferson, and Dallas Turner. Digging much deeper would still include great deals of individuals acknowledging the effort from Aaron Jones, Blake Cashman, and Jalen Redmond(to name a few).

Exist some tricky x-factor Vikings gamers who have been important to the group’s success? I believe so.

The Minnesota Vikings have actually been leaning on an elite defense, an elite unique groups, and an offense that some consider as being less than excellent. Proceed and consider who has actually been playing some great ball however in an ignored way.

3 Sneaky Vikings X-Factor Players

Blake Brandel

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel(64)versus the Los Angeles Rams throughout an NFC wild card video game at State Farm Stadium. Obligatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images — Credit: USA TODAY Sports by means of Reuters Connect

He was an August issue. Not so in October. The C1 have actually been playing strong football.

On PFF, Brandel is being noted with a 64.5 grade, helpful for 15th in the NFL. His 76.1 pass obstructing grade sits at 4th in the league, recommending that the previous offensive take on has actually shown efficient in battling the NFL’s nose takes on. He did have that a person breeze gaffe previously in the year, however Brandel has actually been good piece of the puzzle.

Excellent gamer who might invest the rest of his profession snapping the ball. Not too shoddy for a 6th-Round choice who was expected to end up being the backup OT.

Protective Tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez

Green Bay Packers center Jacob Monk (62) obstructs Minnesota Vikings protective take on Levi Drake Rodriguez(50)while quarterback Jordan Love( 10 )hangs back to pass throughout the 4th quarter of their video game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 39-22. — Credit: USA TODAY Network by means of Reuters Connect

For a little while, the 7th-Round choice from the 2024 NFL Draft has actually been a rough diamond. If he continues shimmering he’ll simply be a diamond in the trenches.

Levi Drake Rodriguez is the beginning nose take on even if he’s undersized at 6’2 ″ and 307 pounds. Throughout his 5 starts and 170 snaps on defense, Rodriguez has actually climbed to 9 takes on, 1 sack, 3 quarterback hits, and 2 takes on for loss. Try to find him to continue working as Jalen Redmond’s partner in criminal activity as the set of young DTs produce issues for the interior o-line.

Corner James Pierre

Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears pass receiver Rome Odunze (15) captures a pass while being safeguarded by Minnesota Vikings cornerback James Pierre (23) throughout the 2nd half at Soldier Field. Compulsory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images — Credit: IMAGN IMAGES through Reuters Connect

The long-and-strong corner has actually been actually excellent. Boasting a CB3 who has that sort of size and snarl enables the DC to matchup much better versus the department’s bigger receivers.

The previous Steeler is under agreement for $8,500,000 throughout a set of years, per Over the CapHe has 16 deals with along with 1 interception and 3 passes protected. Even better, Pierre moves well and has excellent complete, permitting him to curtain himself over the receiver. Finishing an enter his protection isn’t simple.

The Vikings signed a great corner.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudryvikingsterritorycom. Canadian. Jude 1:24 -25.


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