The Minnesota Vikings have made a decision on how they are going to use the 24th overall pick.\With the 24th overall pick, the Minnesota Vikings and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah have selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.
🚨 𝙋𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙄𝙎 𝙄𝙉: Minnesota Vikings select Ohio State G Donovan Jackson pic.twitter.com/K5ZBaBhhRr
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The Vikings have fortified their offensive line in a major way this offseason. The offensive line ended up costing them the playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold was sacked nine times in a season-ending loss, which ended up being a big factor in how the Vikings saw their season end.
What are the Vikings getting in Jackson? Our own Ryan Roberts has a good breakdown on what he can be.
Donovan Jackson became a three-year starter for the Buckeyes after serving as a backup during the 2021 season. The Texas native was a mainstay inside at offensive guard, possessing a nice combination of movement skills and hand strength. When star left tackle Josh Simmons was injured against Oregon this past season, Jackson was asked to flex outside to fill his spot. After some early struggles against Abdul Carter and Penn State, Jackson settled in and was dominant down the stretch. Those flashes out at left tackle have caused some evaluators to wonder if Jackson is a better fit on the outside, and some even believe his film there was better than at guard. Whatever spot you view as Jackson’s best, his consistency should allow him to become a quality starter early on.
Throughout the entire process, the Vikings had talked about getting an impact player with their first round pick and all senses are they have that guy. He could come in and play left guard ahead of Blake Brandel from day one. It’s also another player who was a top 30 visit for the Vikings.
This is an interesting selection for the Vikings, even more so when you consider that the Rams and Detroit Lions beat you up in the trenches last season.