NFL Draft Experts Drool Over New MN Viking, Donovan Jackson

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Donovan Jackson
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The long-awaited wait is finally over now that the Minnesota Vikings selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the 24th overall pick in the first round. To say the pick came as a shock would be an understatement, considering the Vikings entered the three-day selection process with just four picks in total.

Most thought the Vikings would trade down and being that the next two teams picking after them did slide down the board, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah likely considered several offers before deciding to stick and pick Jackson.

In other words, it’s obvious that the Vikings are big fans of the new offensive lineman they drafted, and it turns out, they’re not alone.

Related: Ranking the Best Remaining Minnesota Vikings QB Options

ESPN’s NFL Draft analysts love the Vikings’ first-round pick

Donovan Jackson
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings had several options with their first round pick, but they continued the theme of the offseason by fixing an offensive line that allowed a season-high nine sacks in Minnesota’s playoff loss to the Rams.

Yet, drafting Jackson completes the offseason overhaul, giving the Vikings three new potential starters along the offensive interior. At Ohio State, Jackson showed off his versatility, starting as their left guard before being forced to kick out and start at left tackle after Josh Simmons suffered a knee injury that ended his season.

The Vikings clearly liked what they saw, and a pair of ESPN analysts are in love with the pick too. First up is Field Yates, who says Jackson was playing at a “darn-near elite” level at left tackle.

“If you watched any of Ohio State’s four playoff games, what you saw was No. 74 Donovan Jackson playing darn-near elite left tackle ball. I think he’ll end up being a guard for Minnesota, but to have him as a left tackle in your back pocket…”

ESPN’s Field Yates on Minnesota Vikings’ Donovan Jackson

While the Vikings want Jackson to play guard, having the ability to spend some time at tackle could come into play for a team that doesn’t know when Christian Darrisaw will be ready to go after suffering a season-ending knee injury in 2024.

But Yates wasn’t the only ESPN analyst gushing over the Vikings’ first-round selection. It turns out Ben Solak is a big fan of what Adofo-Mensah did too.

“Had to play left tackle for them all season. Guard playing tackle, this is not going to go well. He’s holding his own against Abdul Carter. He was incredible. They’ve completely overhauled their interior. The Vikings are going to run the ball. They are going to dominate up front with that group.”

ESPN’s Ben Solak on Donovan Jackson

After adding Jordan Mason via trade and re-signing Aaron Jones, the backfield is in much better shape than it was in 2024. Now, the offensive line is too, which sets J.J. McCarthy up for success ahead of his pro debut.

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