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The Minnesota Vikings closed out a disappointing 2025 campaign with a five-game winning streak in large part because of their defense. Struggles at quarterback held back the entire offense, but Brian Flores' defense still finished the season ranked third in yards allowed.
That could signal an identity shift for Minnesota this season. Kevin O'Connell has said that the defense and a strong running game during that winning streak could become the formula moving forward. Even though the Vikings are expecting improvement at quarterback this season, there is enough trust in Flores and his scheme to believe the defense will be stingy once again.
Flores has made it work over his previous three seasons in Minnesota despite suspect talent at times. This year, he may need significant contributions from the three under-the-radar defenders below to once again boast a top-five unit.
3 under-the-radar players on defense for the Vikings in 2026
James Pierre, CB
The Vikings' first free agent signing of the offseason didn't receive a ton of fanfare, but Pierre has familiarity with Flores and new defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander dating back to their time with the Steelers. Pierre, who stands 6'2", 185 pounds, brings size to a cornerback room that lacks in that department. His 88.1 coverage grade in 2025 was the highest among all cornerbacks. Pierre projects as an outside cornerback, allowing Byron Murphy Jr. to play inside this season.
Levi Drake Rodriguez, DL
Rodriguez should have an expanded role, whether or not he's officially listed as a starter. The Vikings drafted defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange in April, but Rodriguez still logged 461 snaps last year in a backup role. His 22 stops ranked 9th on the team, and despite only being 26 entering the season, Rodriguez is one of the team's longest-tenured defensive linemen.
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, EDGE
One of the more underrated storylines entering training camp will be Ingram-Dawkins' position change from interior defensive line to the outside. The 6'5", 290-pound rookie played 250 snaps as a rookie, generating a 58.3 PFF grade. But the team's lack of depth at EDGE, as well as Ingram-Dawkins' unique athletic profile (9.79 RAS score as a DT, ranked 44th out of 2,032 DTs from 1987 through 2025), makes him a fascinating player to watch. Minnesota could add a veteran EDGE regardless, but Ingram-Dawkins could surprise and provide a different skill set to the room.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 3 under-the-radar players on defense for the Vikings in 2026
