The Minnesota Vikings have limited options as they look to build the roster around young quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
Minnesota was busy last year in the NFL Draft. The team made two trades in the first round to pick McCarthy and edge rusher Dallas Turner. Those moves, along with others, have put the Vikings in a position to have only four picks in the draft.
Without many options, the likelihood of the Vikings trading down is high. If they don’t, who do they do with?
ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has Minnesota adding youth to McCarthy's offensive line in his latest mock draft. Kiper has the Vikings selecting Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson 24th overall.
“Minnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It's a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let's take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts.”
“The Vikings do not have a second-round pick, but they could find a solid cornerback at the end of Round 3.”
Jackson had a stellar college career with the Buckeyes. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, his score of 80 was the second highest for a guard at the NFL Combine. He was a first-team All-American last year and made the All-Big Ten conference team three consecutive years.
The Vikings' last offensive lineman selected in the first round was Darrisaw, who has been their left tackle since 2021. Last year, they selected two offensive linemen in the draft: Walter Rouse in the sixth round and Michael Jurgens in the seventh round.
Minnesota must get younger and ensure the offensive line is solidified for McCarthy's future. Thanks to his versatility, Jackson gives them the perfect building block to throw him at tackle or guard.
