The Minnesota Vikings have shown considerable dedication to upgrading their offensive line after a strong 14-win season was marred by internal blocking issues. In addressing these concerns, Donovan Jackson emerged as the crucial addition to their lineup.
The Vikings selected Jackson, an Ohio State guard, as the 24th pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night. Resisting the temptation to trade down, the Vikings finalized an overhaul of the core of their offensive line. Jackson, the third guard chosen in this draft, stands at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds and was recognized as a second-team All-American for his performance with the national champion Buckeyes.
“He’s got size. He’s got length. He’s got power,” remarked Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell with enthusiasm. Jackson was a steadfast starter at left guard for three years and, due to an injury on the team, shifted to left tackle during his senior year. Despite the potential impact on his draft prospects, he prioritized team success. “I just wanted to win,” Jackson stated, having allowed only five sacks in 1,293 pass-blocking opportunities, as analyzed by Pro Football Focus.
Previously confronting challenges with their offensive line stability, the Vikings took a decisive approach by signing center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries away from Indianapolis, with guaranteed contracts exceeding $53 million combined. They are now poised to introduce three new starters alongside standout tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, following the release of center Garrett Bradbury who joined New England, and right guard Dalton Risner entering free agency. Additionally, left guard Blake Brandel, originally a tackle draftee, could develop into a versatile reserve.
“The ability to have a collection of five guys up front playing as one with the type of skill sets and physical ability we have now gives me really good feelings about what we can be,” O’Connell commented, reflecting optimism for not just the current season but future prospects as well.
This transition aligns perfectly with the introduction of quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was unable to play last year due to a preseason knee injury but is now set to lead the offense.
With limited selections remaining in the draft—one in the third round on Friday and others in the fifth and seventh rounds on Saturday—moving down wasn’t appealing to the Vikings, unlike when they drafted McCarthy. Although the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons made trade moves immediately after their pick, the Vikings’ General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah expressed that Jackson’s value outweighed the risk of missing out on him.
Historically, offensive tackle positions garnered the most financial investment on the line. However, the increasing demand for skilled guards reflects their evolved salary and importance. Adofo-Mensah acknowledged, “I think you’ve seen in the market the value that’s been assigned to it.”
Jackson, who contemplated entering the draft the previous year, drew the Vikings’ interest early on. During his pre-draft visit to the facility, he met McCarthy, who had a history with him as a collegiate rival. Yet, they have agreed to put their college competition behind them. McCarthy expressed this sentiment to Jackson, saying, “We’re going to leave that in college.”