The Minnesota Vikings Took Heat After Their First-Round Draft Decision — But There’s More to the Story
With just four total picks heading into the 2025 NFL Draft — the fewest in the league — the Minnesota Vikings were widely expected to trade down from their No. 24 spot in an effort to build more draft capital.
Instead, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah went against the grain, holding firm and selecting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson. The pick sparked criticism from ESPN’s Seth Walder, who argued Jackson was a reach — the 39th-ranked player on the consensus board and viewed more as a second-round talent.
But Walder’s critique missed a key factor: the way the board actually unfolded on draft night, particularly regarding offensive linemen. The run on top-tier blockers was swift and aggressive — with three offensive tackles going in the top nine picks. Tyler Booker, the consensus No. 1 guard, was snapped up 12th overall by Dallas, well ahead of his consensus ranking at No. 28. Grey Zabel, another top interior lineman, was gone by pick No. 18 to Seattle.
With Jackson clearly next in line among interior linemen and the positional depth thinning fast, the Vikings likely saw their moment to act before the drop-off became too steep. Around the same time, the Texans dealt the 25th pick to the Giants in exchange for picks No. 34, No. 99, and a 2026 third-rounder — the kind of trade many believed Minnesota should have made. But it’s doubtful Jackson would’ve lasted to No. 34, given the demand.
The league’s increasing prioritization of offensive linemen — especially those who can neutralize elite interior pass rushers — made Jackson a justifiable selection, even if it didn’t match the board rankings.
Field Yates, also of ESPN, had a very different view than his colleague. He called the Jackson pick his favorite of the night, praising the Ohio State product as a tough, athletic, and reliable team-first player. If the Vikings’ recent free agency additions — former Colts linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries — pan out, Jackson could be the final piece that transforms Minnesota’s offensive line into a top-five unit.
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