2 weeks Ago By Ryan OLeary
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t wavered since turning to J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for 2025 and beyond.
With the 24th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings continued to go all-in on their 22-year-old QB, choosing to solidify the protection up front over addressing other pressing needs , like the defensive secondary. Despite plenty of chatter around the team potentially trading back to acquire more draft capital, the Vikings opted to stand pat at 24 and select Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson . At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Jackson should give Minnesota some force on the interior, most likely at left guard, which was manned by the struggling Blake Brandel in 2024.
MORE: Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board This decision completes an offseason overhaul of an offensive line that failed to protect Sam Darnold in the game's that mattered most last year. While admittedly still early, the Vikings' line now projects to feature Christian Darrisaw at LT, Jackson at LG, Ryan Kelly at center, Will Fries at RG, and Brian O’Neill at RT. Guard was a clear need for the Vikings entering draft weekend.
Was addressing that need on Day 1 the right move for a team with just four total selections in this draft? Here’s what the experts had to say about Minnesota’s decision to stick at 24 and select Jackson: Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp Expert grades for Donovan Jackson at No. 24 overall Pete Prisco, CBS Sports : B Prisco: “Jackson is a good player who can play guard and tackle, but will be a guard for the Vikings. Minnesota needed to upgrade the interior of the offensive line and they will do it with Jackson.
Teams loved his demeanor. I like the pick.” Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News : B+ Iyer: “The Vikings stuck with their guns for an interior offensive lineman even with Booker and Zabel off the board earlier than expected with Jackson being a borderline first-round talent.
Jackson is a powerful run blocker with rare athleticism for his size.” Luke Easterling, Athlon Sports : B Easterling: “You can't go broke making a profit, and that applies to continuing to invest in the offensive line. Despite needs in the secondary, the Vikings are clearly prioritizing the trenches in front of their young quarterback in JJ McCarthy , and Jackson makes a ton of sense.
He was already a stellar guard prospect for the Buckeyes, but after injuries forced him to move out to left tackle, he held his own there on the way to a national title. That versatility is extremely valuable, and he gives Minnesota a ton of flexibility up front as they enter a new era with McCarthy at the helm.” Ayrton Ostly, USA TODAY : C+ Ostly: “Jackson was a standout guard for the Buckeyes before filling in at tackle after teammate Josh Simmons went down with injury mid-season.
He offers great length and movement skills at the position and should be an NFL guard for years to come. This is a very curious pick because the Vikings invested heavily in offensive line in free agency and have needs on defense, primarily in the secondary.” Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports : A- McDonald: “Minnesota’s offensive line overhaul is now complete with another sizable guard investment with Donovan Jackson.
Jackson is a good, versatile offensive lineman who played left tackle well for Ohio State after Josh Simmons went down with an injury. J.J.
McCarthy should be one happy camper after how this offseason has gone.”.
