The Analysis of the Vikings’ Top Pick? Some Restrained Praise to Outright Jubilee
Few seem willing to throw a parade, but there seems to be an overall sense of optimism about the Vikings’ top pick.
Donovan Jackson, in all likelihood, is going to slot into the LG1 spot (displacing Blake Brandel in the process). Slotting into the position will mean that Minnesota’s interior o-line is entering a new phase, one that sees considerable investment being made. Is he the final piece of the puzzle, one capable of pushing the Vikings front five into being among the NFL’s best?
The Vikings’ Top Pick:
Some Decent to Very Good Grades
Give the first word to PFF.
Alongside an “Above Average” assessment, the analytics website offered some analysis: “With the Vikings set at the tackle positions and signing center Ryan Kelly in free agency, Minnesota looks to protect its first-round quarterback from 2024 with the Ohio State guard. Jackson graded above the 75th percentile in run-blocking grade on both zone and gap schemes. Jackson has experience at both guard and tackle, giving the Vikings flexibility long term.”
The sense one gets from the PFF assessment is that there’s a broader consideration of the context. Leaning on a young passer — Mr. McCarthy — means putting considerable effort into giving the young fella a chance to succeed. Inserting Jackson into the mix alongside the FA pickups (Ryan Kelly & Will Fries) means a new approach to the iOL.
Over on the NFL’s website, Chad Reuter assigned a B grade. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, in other words, did good, not great.
“Minnesota continued to remodel its interior offensive line with the selection of Jackson,” Reuter writes. “He impressed by moving from left guard to left tackle during the Buckeyes’ championship run last season after the injury to Josh Simmons left a vacancy on the blind side. Jackson will move back to the interior in the pros. He’s a solid player who will be a sturdy pass protector and strong run blocker for years to come.”
Consider another example. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports jumped into the opinion pile, assigning a B.
Prisco’s comments: “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.”
Sports Illustrated mostly agreed, kicking over a B.
What about The Ringer? Well, they’re the most enthusiastic of all, handing out a sizzling A+: “I really like this pick for the Vikings, who bolster their offensive line with a tough and versatile bruiser in Jackson. An excellent hand fighter who plays with balance and football IQ, he completes the team’s makeover at offensive line this offseason. Dropping him in at left guard alongside Christian Darrisaw, Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and Brian O’Neill gives Minnesota the chance to field one of the best offensive lines in the league. That will be a massive boon for J.J. McCarthy.”
On social media, analysts such as Benjamin Solak, Brandon Thorn, and Field Yates were just a few to express optimistic opinions about the Donovan Jackson move.
The rest of the Vikings’ draft takes place later today as the 2025 NFL Draft rolls through Rounds 4 to 7. Oh, and if you’re still curious, Vikings Territory has a piece discussing the draft grades, as well.
K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (@VikingsGazette). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.
