3 Minnesota Vikings who may have saved their jobs with big performances vs. Raiders

The Minnesota Vikings shined in the preseason against the Las Vegas Raiders, as rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy led them to a 24-23 victory. It also was the first preseason victory for the Vikings since the 2019 season.

The game itself was an interesting one. The Vikings and Raiders both gave their starters a decent amount of snaps and the second team got extensive run as well. That made things a little interesting in regard to breaking down the game.

What it did show was some excellent performances. The Pro Football Focus grades for the Vikings came in favorably and highlighted multiple standouts. These three players took a massive step in saving their jobs on Saturday.

DT Levi Drake Rodriguez

Seventh-round picks have a good chance of making the roster. Some view players drafted in the seventh round as players who they want to lock in before the UDFA process. Oftentimes, agents will tell teams they don't want to be drafted so they can pick the place they end up going.

Deemed Prospect X this offseason by Kalyn Kahler, Rodriguez has a fascinating story. He played at the NAIA level before spending his final two seasons at Texas A&M Commerce. There were questions about how well he would translate from the FCS level. The motor was always there and he's used it to his advantage.

Rodriguez was excellent against the Raiders. He was all over the place for the Vikings and got both a sack and pass batted down. He looked like he belonged and the PFF grades resonated with an overall grade of 68.9 and pass rush grade of 73.1. It's a great start for Rodriguez.

OT Walter Rouse

The Vikings made sure that they gave their rookie offensive linemen plenty of time in the game on Saturday. Both Rouse and seventh-round pick Michael Jurgens played a game-high 52 offensive snaps and were in the game from when the first team came out until the final whistle.

Rouse looked poised during his time on the field against the Raiders. He posted a grade of 69.3 with an excellent 71.1 run blocking grade. Most impressive from Rouse was allowing just one pressure even though he spent 24 snaps at right tackle and 28 at left tackle. It's hard enough to be able to play both sides of the line but flipping in the same game is very impressive.

WR Trishton Jackson

The wide receiver position is a fascinating one for the Vikings. They have two of the best in the game in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. It's after that where we dont' know.

Jalen Nailor has the inside track to become WR3 with Brandon Powell close behind. Their roster spots are secured but the battle for the last 1-2 spots will be a fierce one.

Saturday's game was a massive one for Jackson. He caught four passes for 100 yards and a 45-yard touchdown from J.J. McCarthy. He displayed some really nice nuance in his route running and generated explosive plays for the Vikings. Jackson answered a lot of questions and separated himself in a crowded receiver room.

Related: Minnesota Vikings studs and duds in win vs. Raiders highlighted by superstar rookie QB J.J. McCarthy