The Minnesota Vikings expected their interior defensive line to be more disruptive this season. That’s why they committed over $80 million on Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in free agency back in March.
Through three games, the returns have been promising. Allen and Hargrave have both logged over 100 defensive snaps; according to Pro Football Focus, they’ve combined for 19 QB pressures and two sacks.
Even better for the Vikings? Their pair of high-priced veterans haven’t even been their most efficient interior defenders — by a long shot.
Minnesota has a pair of young breakouts on its hands in Jalen Redmond and Levi Drake Rodriguez. Redmond, who ascended to starting nose tackle after the Vikings traded Harrison Phillips in August, joined the Vikings' practice squad in 2024 after an impressive season in the UFL. Drake Rodriguez was a seventh-round pick by Minnesota in the 2024 draft.
Both players have performed above expectations this season, based on advanced metrics, but Redmond is the clear outlier. The 26-year-old has suddenly surged from relative unknown to one of the most impactful interior pass rushers in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Jalen Redmond ranks among NFL’s best in pass-rush win percentage
Proven veterans like Hargrave and Allen get most of the attention, but Redmond has been an underrated force for the Vikings in his first year as a starter.
According to PFF’s true pass set metric (or true drop-backs without play action, rollouts, or quick passes like screens), Redmond ranks among the likes of Tennessee Titans superstar Jeffery Simmons. In his 24 qualifying pass-rush situations this season, Redmond has a 30.4 percent win rate with six QB pressures and a sack.
Interior DL pass rush through week 3 (excluding MNF)
— Stat Acccount (@AcccountStat) September 22, 2025
- True pass sets only pic.twitter.com/6Wyw0khDwU
Most impressive? The Vikings aren’t deploying Redmond like a situational pass rusher. He’s played 104 defensive snaps — the same number as Hargrave — and currently holds a top-30 PFF grade at the position overall. He’s also been impressive against the run, recording six solo tackles and eight run stuffs in starts against the Bears, Falcons, and Bengals.
When you consider the value — Minnesota signed Redmond to a two-year, $1.75 million contract in 2024, per Spotrac — this is yet another win for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and his staff. At this rate, it would not be surprising to see Redmond land an extension at some point this year.
Minnesota boasts one of the most talent-rich rosters in football — but it’s also among the oldest. The team’s ability to develop young talent will be crucial over the next few years, and current Year 2 jumps for Redmond and Rodriguez are some massive strides in the right direction.