The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a mere four picks, the fewest in the league, putting General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in a high-stakes chess game. Conventional wisdom screamed for a trade-down from their No. 24 overall pick to amass more draft capital, especially after their aggressive moves in 2024 cost them a second-rounder. But Adofo-Mensah defied expectations, standing pat and selecting Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson—a move that’s being hailed as one of the sneakiest steals of the 2025 draft.
A Calculated Gamble
The decision to stay at No. 24 wasn’t made lightly. Reports surfaced that teams like the Houston Texans (No. 25), Detroit Lions (No. 28), and Kansas City Chiefs (No. 31) had their eyes on Jackson, a versatile, battle-tested guard who helped Ohio State clinch a national championship in 2024. Trading back could’ve meant losing him, and Adofo-Mensah wasn’t willing to risk it. “When we go into these meetings, ‘support the young quarterback’ is not something we talk about explicitly,” Adofo-Mensah said post-draft, “but great offensive lines are team lifters. They control the ball, keep your defense fresh, and establish a play style.”
Jackson, a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection and 2024 All-American, was the final piece of a meticulously planned offensive line overhaul. The Vikings had already signed former Indianapolis Colts starters Ryan Kelly (center) and Will Fries (right guard) in free agency, transforming a weakness exposed in their 2024 playoff loss to the Rams—where Sam Darnold was sacked nine times—into a potential strength. With Jackson slotted at left guard alongside left tackle Christian Darrisaw and right tackle Brian O’Neill, Minnesota now boasts one of the NFL’s most formidable fronts.
Why Jackson Is a Steal
Donovan Jackson wasn’t a household name entering the draft, overshadowed by flashier prospects like quarterbacks or edge rushers. But those who watched him dominate at Ohio State know why the Vikings pounced. At 6’4” and 315 pounds, Jackson combines prototypical size with rare athleticism, grading above the 75th percentile in run-blocking for both zone and gap schemes. His 40 career starts, including nine at left tackle after teammate Josh Simmons’ injury, showcased his versatility and football IQ.
ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak raved about Jackson’s ability to hold his own against Penn State’s Abdul Carter, the No. 3 overall pick, during his stint at tackle: “Guard playing tackle, this is not gonna go well. [He was] holding his own against Abdul Carter. It was incredible.” NFL Network’s Bucky Brooks called describe
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