The Vikings of Minnesota did not hide their off -season plan. They left the field in Glendale, Arizona, after a brutal defeat of the playoffs against the Rams of Los Angeles and wanted to strengthen their trenches. This is how they used the free agency, and it was their priority in the draft of the NFL.
The Minnesota selected the Ohio State Donovan Jackson offensive line player with choice No. 24 in the first round on Thursday evening. He played guard and tackles last season, but he is most likely to play custody to start his professional career.
His arrival completes an entire overhaul from the inside. Ryan Kelly was signed to be the departure center. Minnesota added Will Fries to play right. Jackson will enter as a favorite to start the left guard, preparing for a completely different group from the one who lost against the Rams.
Jackson started 40 of the 55 games in his four -year career with the Buckeyes, dividing time between the left tackle and left guard. Key member of the alignment of the Ohio State national championship in 2024, Jackson won the All-American honors of the first team last season after being appointed a selection of the first All-Big Ten team in 2022 and 2023.
Depression of the beast ”
Jackson was classified n ° 48 in the top 300 Big Board of Dane Brugler. Here is what Brugler had to say about Jackson in his annual guide on the NFL project:
“A three-year-old starter at Ohio State, Jackson played both the left platform and the left guard in the diversified race game of the former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly (Gap / Zone, Pin-Pulls, Comters, etc.). Hommously recruited from Texas, he did not reach some of his national expectations as a Guard on the left, but he was the Buckeyes race of Buckeyes. Simmons for the last nine games.
“For a long time, considered an interior perspective by the NFL teams, his left tackle band was better than what he showed at the left guard, forcing the NFL teams to reassess his best position adjustment. Although this is not an overwhelming reader blocker, Jackson moves well out of his position with flexibility / length / combination of force to lock and occupy the defenders of his hand. The recovery hiccup must be addressed by NFL coaches staff, but its sporting features and its playing force should result in the next level.
How it fits
The only position on the offensive line of the Vikings which was in question was left guard. Minnesota added Kelly and Fries via a free agency. The Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are two of the team’s pillars. The Vikings could have made him go back with Blake Brandel at the left guard, but Jackson intervenes as an immediate response. It is early, and it’s just on paper, but Minnesota has reconstructed an exceptional front for the young quarter-rear JJ McCarthy.
Impact of depth
Jackson can be in the pencil at the left guard. If fries, which is always recovering from a fractured right tibia, does not progress as well as the Minnesota expects it to be this summer, the Vikings also have another reliable option alongside Brandel.
In the long term, Jackson best corresponds to a goalkeeper. He can, however, play the tackle, as he proved at the end of last season at Ohio State.
The O’Neill contract takes place until 2026. Vikings love it as a player and leader in the locker room, but the flexibility of Jackson’s tackle gives them another report if necessary.
They could also have chosen …
The obvious answer is the corner half of Michigan Will Johnson. Some projected Johnson to present himself in the top 10, but he dropped draft advice due to Medical concerns reported with its knee. Johnson adapts well to the defensive coordinator Brian Flores. It is instinctive and reads well plays in the zone covers.
The Vikings could also have exchanged the choice and hoping to hang Jackson later in the first round – or even at the start of the second. By selecting Jackson at No. 24, Minnesota proved that he was not willing to take this risk.
Rapid evaluation
Is Jackson at No. 24 a little rich? Maybe. An NFC leader, however, shared that he had assessed Jackson in the same level as Tyler Booker from Alabama (went No. 12 to Dallas) and Gray Zabel from the Dakota North Dakota (18th in Seattle). Any decision that helps maximize the investment made in McCarthy is logical.
(Photo: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
