The Minnesota Vikings Select… Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

Minnesota Vikings fans, along with anyone else who follows the NFL, waited 364 days for tonight to come. The NFL Draft has become one of the most important and idolized days on the entire league calendar each year.

That is saying something too, since everything the NFL does these days becomes a holiday, whether that’s the Super Bowl, the scouting combine or an exhibition game in another country. But in 2025, few events hold a candle to the draft. And on Thursday, the MN Vikings came into the first round holding the No. 24 overall pick.

With only four total selections in their pocket for the entire draft, the Vikings’ “perfect world” scenario tonight included a trade-back. Kwesi & Co wanted more picks to work with in days two and three. Of course, we knew going in that would be easier said than done.

Minnesota Vikings select… Donovan Jackson – OG – Ohio State

After offensive linemen they were originally linked to like Grey Zabel and Tyler Booker went off the board long before they got an opportunity to to draft them, the Minnesota Vikings fought off multiple trade calls to move back, instead choosing to select Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson at No. 24 overall.

Getting stronger up front!

Welcome to Minnesota, @D_jack78! pic.twitter.com/6M34Apzxka

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 25, 2025

Jackson was a three year starter for the Buckeyes, where he played on the left side at both tackle and guard in 2024. Obviously, he will be playing guard with the Minnesota Vikings, which is his preferred position.

Leading up to the draft, the Vikings preferred a left guard, over right guard, being Will Fries has played only right guard during his four-year NFL career. Jackson fits that profile perfectly, as he has played almost exclusively on the left side of the Ohio State offensive line during his three years as a starter.

Related: Minnesota Vikings Involved in Kirk Cousins Trade Talks… but Not Really

During his collegiate career, Donovan Jackson allowed only 5 sacks and 42 total pressures, according to PFF. Last season, he scored a 71.8 overall PFF grade (70.2 RBLK, 69.9 PBLK), which was consistent with what he graded during his sophomore and junior seasons.

2 mins of the NEWEST Vikings Donovan Jackson beating people up at LG.pic.twitter.com/JhnYaYfKfl

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) April 25, 2025

Donovan Jackson overview (NFL.com)

Broad-framed three-year starter with core power and leg drive to hold the line of scrimmage or change it. He can stick and sustain in-line or on the second level and is a plus finisher. Jackson has the athleticism for all tasks as an outside-zone blocker.

He is also able to accelerate and lead the way on long pulls or counters. He leans against stunting/slanting fronts, and he can be tardy in opening his hips and activating his feet for recoveries. He’s long but punches with wider hands and struggles to consistently maintain his edges when mirroring. Overall, Jackson has the measurables, power and movement for any scheme as a starting guard.