The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2024 season fielding a starting defensive line group with modest NFL beginnings.
Jonathan Bullard
Harrison Phillips
Jerry Tillery
Jonathan Bullard was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
Three years with the Bears (2016-18)
Two years with the Arizona Cardinals (2109-20)
One year with the Seattle Seahawks (2020)
One year with the Atlanta Falcons (2021)
This is Bullard’s third year in Minnesota. As perhaps their top run-stuffer, he’s found a home with the Vikings.
Harrison Phillips was selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He was a productive role player and frequent starter for four seasons. It wasn’t enough for the Bills to prioritize his re-signing. The Vikings did prioritize his signing. He was one of the first free agent additions of the new Kwesi Adofo-Mensah - Kevin O’Connell regime. He’s been a defensive mainstay and team leader ever since. He signed a contract extension before the start of the season.
Jerry Tillery was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s easy to say that Tillery has yet to live up to his round one draft status. The 2019 NFL Draft was a draft loaded with high-level interior defensive linemen.
Quinnen Williams
Ed Oliver
Christian Wilkins
Dexter Lawrence
Jeffery Simmons
Tillery was the sixth defensive tackle selected in that first round. He’s the only one not playing on a gigantic second contract. After two-plus years with the Chargers, Tillery was released. The Las Vegas Raiders. After one-plus years with the Raiders he entered free agency in the offseason. The Vikings signed him. They had a role for him and gave him a shot.
The 2024 Vikings defensive line has been fronted by a trio passed over and passed on by several teams. They may even have been passed over in some manner by 31 teams. Seeing as the trio and the defense behind them are one of the best run defenses and best overall defenses in the league, it was to the Vikings benefit.
The players behind the trio have been even more overlooked by the league.
Jalen Redmond
Taki Taimani
Levi Drake Rodriguez
None of the three were drafted.
Undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalen Redmond was signed by the Carolina Panthers. He didn’t make it out of camp. He signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL last December. After a productive season, he signed with the Vikings in June. He earned a spot on the team’s practice squad. He was promoted to the active roster in November. He’s been making an impact ever since. Redmond played his way to a starting opportunity against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. He didn’t disappoint. The Vikings may have found a gem in Jalen Redmond.
Undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Taki Taimani earned a roster spot out of training camp. He crafted a run-stuffing role until an injury landed him on injured reserve. Like Redmond, he has a future in Minnesota.
Levi Drake Rodriguez was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s a raw talent with intriguing pass-rushing potential. With his small-school, under-sized, Texas roots and unheralded draft status, it’s easy to think of John Randle when thinking of Rodriguez. He’s yet to make an impact on the field, as he’s only been active for one game. He’s an intriguing football player.
Going into the season, the Vikings defensive line was one of my biggest concerns. That concern was due to the overlooked status of the players. After 13 games, I celebrate it. They are the most unheralded players on a very good defense. They are also an important part of the success.
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