The Minnesota Vikings enter the draft season with only four picks, a very low number, considering the usual is seven or more (often due to compensatory picks). Among other moves, Dallas Turner’s selection via trade-up cost some capital.
ESPN’s Draft Crew Addresses a Vikings’ Need
To compensate for the lack of selections, the Vikings could be a willing trade partner for teams interested in moving up in the first round. It’s also more critical than in other years for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to land a good football player with his first selection currently scheduled for 24th overall because his next pick won’t be until the end of the third round when he is on the clock with the 97th pick.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates worked together to assemble a three-round mock draft, including a pair of Vikings picks.
24th Overall: OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
The Vikings have invested in their offensive line, finally getting rid of a long-time weakness. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries should be significant upgrades. The weak link is now left guard Blake Brandel, so why not complete the overhaul?
Kiper Jr. wrote about selecting Jackson, “The Vikings knew they had to address the interior this offseason and went out and signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. But Jackson would represent an upgrade over Blake Brandel at the other guard spot. Jackson has some really strong movement traits.”
Jackson played in 51 games at Ohio State. Following last season, he was named first-team All-American and he finalized his collegiate career with a national title. The blocker spent most of his career at guard but moved to tackle during the 2024 season because of an injury to teammate Josh Simmons, who is also expected to be a first-rounder.
He plays with a lot of power but can also move well enough to succeed in Minnesota’s zone running style. Multiple years of tape don’t lie. The Vikings would have one of the top offensive lines in all of football with Jackson on board.
