Donovan Jackson Fantasy Stats

ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that there is every reason to believe that Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round offensive guard Donovan Jackson has the inside track to emerge from training camp this summer as a starter. Jackson worked with the first-team offense at left guard for the majority of spring practices, but it's important to note that right guard Will Fries continues to recover from a fractured right leg. Blake Brandel, who was last year's starter at left guard and Jackson's primary competition, has filled in for Fries on the right side. "It does give you some real beneficial options to see guys progress through the learning phase," head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "and all of a sudden you've got three or four guys that maybe are a little more versatile than we thought." In addition to making 31 career starts at left guard at Ohio State, Jackson has experience at left tackle, giving Minnesota's O-line some much-needed versatility.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Minnesota Vikings have signed first-round pick Donovan Jackson to a four-year, $17.17 million contract. The Vikings have officially inked their entire slate of rookies. Jackson was a five-star recruit out of high school and the nation's No. 1 guard before committing to Ohio State, where he'd be a three-year starter. In his senior season, he garnered Second-team Associated Press All-American honors while splitting time between guard and tackle to fill in for injured starter Josh Simmons. Guard will be his home in the NFL, and the rookie is expected to beat out teammate Blake Brandel for the starting job.. The Vikings' offensive line projects to be vastly improved in 2025 with the additions of Jackson, along with free agent acquisitions Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, and the return of tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) from injury.

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jackson has tackle and guard experience, but he projects to move back inside for Minnesota due to his prowess in the run game. The 22-year-old has enough athleticism to be efficient at the second level and is an excellent choice to lead on long pulls and counters in the run game. Aside from losing center Garrett Bradbury in free agency, Minnesota's offensive line is on the rise heading into 2025 with the return of tackle Christian Darrisaw and the addition of Jackson. It bodes well for second-year signal-caller J.J. McCarthy -- when he's healthy -- and the run game headed by RB Aaron Jones ahead of next season.