Draft Day Discussion

[makila]

you need to take that Giants deal if you are Minny sitting here with 4 picks for the entire draft, especially taking a guard,

He is a plug and play starter at left guard however.

Is there a report that they were talking to us? I saw a report that we were calling around trying to move down.

[makila]

OG Donovan Jackson

Yep. Mel got this right. I'm always a fan of drafting Offensive Linemen.

Yeah, I am generally a fan of it as well. We are finally putting some serious resources into it. Hopefully they are identifying them well.

[makila]

The Athletic blurb:
-----
Vikings draft OL Donovan Jackson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Chris Licata
April 24, 2025 10:18 pm CDT

The Minnesota Vikings elected to bolster the offensive line with the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.

Jackson started 40 of 55 games across his four-year career with the Buckeyes, splitting time between left tackle and left guard. A key member of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship roster, Jackson earned first-team All-American honors last season after being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and 2023.

‘The Beast’ breakdown
Jackson was ranked No. 48 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about Jackson in his annual NFL Draft guide:

“A three-year starter at Ohio State, Jackson played both left tackle and left guard in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game (gap/zone, pin-pulls, counters, etc.). Highly recruited out of Texas, he didn’t ascend to meet some of his sky-high expectations at left guard, but he was the unsung hero of the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship run after kicking out to left tackle to replace an injured Josh Simmons for the final nine games. Following a rough first start against Abdul Carter and Penn State, he played at a high level the rest of the way, including an impeccable playoff run.

“Long considered an interior prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at left guard, forcing NFL teams to reevaluate his best positional fit. Though not an overpowering drive blocker, Jackson moves well out of his stance with the flexibility/length/strength combination to latch and occupy defenders with his hands. His processing gradually improved each season, and he didn’t look like a fish out of water in space. Overall, Jackson’s sustain and recovery hiccups must be addressed by an NFL coaching staff, but his athletic traits and play strength should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL starter, and his tape shows a player with true tackle-guard versatility.”

[CharVike]

Yep. Mel got this right. I'm always a fan of drafting Offensive Linemen.

Yeah, I am generally a fan of it as well. We are finally putting some serious resources into it. Hopefully they are identifying them well.

I like this pick also. Next we need a DT. Even a couple will work.

[VikingsVictorious]

The Athletic blurb:
-----
Vikings draft OL Donovan Jackson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Chris Licata
April 24, 2025 10:18 pm CDT

The Minnesota Vikings elected to bolster the offensive line with the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.

Jackson started 40 of 55 games across his four-year career with the Buckeyes, splitting time between left tackle and left guard. A key member of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship roster, Jackson earned first-team All-American honors last season after being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and 2023.

‘The Beast’ breakdown
Jackson was ranked No. 48 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about Jackson in his annual NFL Draft guide:

“A three-year starter at Ohio State, Jackson played both left tackle and left guard in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game (gap/zone, pin-pulls, counters, etc.). Highly recruited out of Texas, he didn’t ascend to meet some of his sky-high expectations at left guard, but he was the unsung hero of the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship run after kicking out to left tackle to replace an injured Josh Simmons for the final nine games. Following a rough first start against Abdul Carter and Penn State, he played at a high level the rest of the way, including an impeccable playoff run.

“Long considered an interior prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at left guard, forcing NFL teams to reevaluate his best positional fit. Though not an overpowering drive blocker, Jackson moves well out of his stance with the flexibility/length/strength combination to latch and occupy defenders with his hands. His processing gradually improved each season, and he didn’t look like a fish out of water in space. Overall, Jackson’s sustain and recovery hiccups must be addressed by an NFL coaching staff, but his athletic traits and play strength should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL starter, and his tape shows a player with true tackle-guard versatility.”

If Brugler's big board ranking is correct getting player 48 at pick 24 is not good, but I think most NFL teams had him top 30. The top 3 guards all went early in the draft and the Vikings most likely could not have got him even at 26 as most analysts had Houston all set to take him at pick 25. He was a National Champion, all American, 3 times first team big ten, large and tested extremely well. He is also very smart judging by his academic awards. What is there not to like?

[makila]

The Athletic blurb:
-----
Vikings draft OL Donovan Jackson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Chris Licata
April 24, 2025 10:18 pm CDT

The Minnesota Vikings elected to bolster the offensive line with the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.

Jackson started 40 of 55 games across his four-year career with the Buckeyes, splitting time between left tackle and left guard. A key member of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship roster, Jackson earned first-team All-American honors last season after being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and 2023.

‘The Beast’ breakdown
Jackson was ranked No. 48 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about Jackson in his annual NFL Draft guide:

“A three-year starter at Ohio State, Jackson played both left tackle and left guard in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game (gap/zone, pin-pulls, counters, etc.). Highly recruited out of Texas, he didn’t ascend to meet some of his sky-high expectations at left guard, but he was the unsung hero of the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship run after kicking out to left tackle to replace an injured Josh Simmons for the final nine games. Following a rough first start against Abdul Carter and Penn State, he played at a high level the rest of the way, including an impeccable playoff run.

“Long considered an interior prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at left guard, forcing NFL teams to reevaluate his best positional fit. Though not an overpowering drive blocker, Jackson moves well out of his stance with the flexibility/length/strength combination to latch and occupy defenders with his hands. His processing gradually improved each season, and he didn’t look like a fish out of water in space. Overall, Jackson’s sustain and recovery hiccups must be addressed by an NFL coaching staff, but his athletic traits and play strength should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL starter, and his tape shows a player with true tackle-guard versatility.”

If Brugler's big board ranking is correct getting player 48 at pick 24 is not good, but I think most NFL teams had him top 30. The top 3 guards all went early in the draft and the Vikings most likely could not have got him even at 26 as most analysts had Houston all set to take him at pick 25. He was a National Champion, all American, 3 times first team big ten, large and tested extremely well. He is also very smart judging by his academic awards. What is there not to like?

Don't be Wyatt Davis was my first reaction. Fair or not. Ha. I don't know a lot about Jackson. Didn't watch much big 10 last few seasons.

[Pep2Moss]

you need to take that Giants deal if you are Minny sitting here with 4 picks for the entire draft, especially taking a guard,

He is a plug and play starter at left guard however.

Is there a report that they were talking to us? I saw a report that we were calling around trying to move down.

Yeah I live in NJ it was given to teams starting at 22. Rams wanted Dart. They traded out as soon as the pick was made.

[Cliff]

you need to take that Giants deal if you are Minny sitting here with 4 picks for the entire draft, especially taking a guard,

He is a plug and play starter at left guard however.

Is there a report that they were talking to us? I saw a report that we were calling around trying to move down.

I read the opposite. That they had several offers to move down but rejected them. I think they wanted badly wanted to fill that last slot at G and make the rebuild of the interior line complete.

[Cliff]

The Athletic blurb:
-----
Vikings draft OL Donovan Jackson: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Chris Licata
April 24, 2025 10:18 pm CDT

The Minnesota Vikings elected to bolster the offensive line with the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson.

Jackson started 40 of 55 games across his four-year career with the Buckeyes, splitting time between left tackle and left guard. A key member of Ohio State’s 2024 national championship roster, Jackson earned first-team All-American honors last season after being named a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2022 and 2023.

‘The Beast’ breakdown
Jackson was ranked No. 48 in Dane Brugler’s top 300 big board. Here’s what Brugler had to say about Jackson in his annual NFL Draft guide:

“A three-year starter at Ohio State, Jackson played both left tackle and left guard in former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly’s diverse run game (gap/zone, pin-pulls, counters, etc.). Highly recruited out of Texas, he didn’t ascend to meet some of his sky-high expectations at left guard, but he was the unsung hero of the Buckeyes’ 2024 national championship run after kicking out to left tackle to replace an injured Josh Simmons for the final nine games. Following a rough first start against Abdul Carter and Penn State, he played at a high level the rest of the way, including an impeccable playoff run.

“Long considered an interior prospect by NFL teams, his left tackle tape was better than what he showed at left guard, forcing NFL teams to reevaluate his best positional fit. Though not an overpowering drive blocker, Jackson moves well out of his stance with the flexibility/length/strength combination to latch and occupy defenders with his hands. His processing gradually improved each season, and he didn’t look like a fish out of water in space. Overall, Jackson’s sustain and recovery hiccups must be addressed by an NFL coaching staff, but his athletic traits and play strength should translate well to the next level. He projects as an NFL starter, and his tape shows a player with true tackle-guard versatility.”

If Brugler's big board ranking is correct getting player 48 at pick 24 is not good, but I think most NFL teams had him top 30. The top 3 guards all went early in the draft and the Vikings most likely could not have got him even at 26 as most analysts had Houston all set to take him at pick 25. He was a National Champion, all American, 3 times first team big ten, large and tested extremely well. He is also very smart judging by his academic awards. What is there not to like?

It's all in who's grading. On the NFL "prospects" section they have him rated as the best guard:
https://www.nfl.com/draft/tracker/prosp ... 025?page=1

One thing is for sure. When KOC said:

There can be a thousand excuses made. But, for me, it’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at.

He was not kidding.

[StpViking]

Love the pick. Vikings fans have been screaming about fixing the IOL and IDL for over a decade now. We're finally getting it. Lets see how the 2025 Vikings workout.

[cogitator]

Maybe everyone but me knows this, but looked up the Vikings remaining draft picks, not much left. A third round, a fifth, and a sixth. So probably drafting a guard may be the highlight of this draft.

[CharVike]

I guess AP was celebrating the pick a little too much. DWI the morning after.
Adrian Peterson arrested for DWI in Minnesota morning after NFL draft
Peterson is facing a fourth-degree DWI charge.
Arrest happened after Peterson appeared at the Vikings' draft party.

Specific arrest details haven't been disclosed, but Hennepin County Jail records show Peterson was booked into custody at 5:16 a.m. Friday. He was arrested by the Minnesota State Patrol and is facing a fourth-degree DWI charge.

[CharVike]

We had Jonah Savaiinae in for a visit and is a player I like. If he's there in rd 3 I hope they pick him. He's a mountain of a man.
Savaiinaea is a dense offensive line prospect who boasts a powerful punch, a heavy anchor, and the ability to reset the line of scrimmage. I'm sure he has faults but you won't see him in the backfield. Reminds me of David Dixon.

[VikingsFan12345]

Yeah, I am generally a fan of it as well. We are finally putting some serious resources into it. Hopefully they are identifying them well.

I like this pick also. Next we need a DT. Even a couple will work.

Vikings need a safety since Harrison is going to retire soon

[VikingsFan12345]

One thing is for sure. When KOC said:

There can be a thousand excuses made. But, for me, it’s the foundation of the interior of the pocket that we’re going to have to take a long look at.

He was not kidding.
[/quote]

I have to give O'Connell credit, when he sees that it is a problem, he fixes it