Jun 11, 2019; Eagan, MN, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the field at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday, the Minnesota Vikings and all other franchises released their schedule for the 2025 season. The purple franchise has made the requisite moves to be a competitive team in Kevin O’Connell’s fourth season.
Vikings Nail Crucial Offseason Objective
Part of those investments surely is the rebuilt offensive line that features three pricey newcomers.
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) holds the trophy following the 34-23 win over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to win the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 21, 2025.
The final puzzle piece was Donovan Jackson, Ohio State’s guard, who was selected with the 24th overall pick. He reportedly signed his rookie contract.
Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday night: “The Vikings have agreed to terms with first-round pick Donovan Jackson. Minnesota’s entire rookie class is now under contract.
KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson added some details: “Vikings signed first-round pick Donovan Jackson to fully guaranteed $17.177 million deal that includes $9.422 million signing bonus, plus training camp roster bonuses 2026 to 2028 of $615,775, $1.281 million, and $1 million.”
The Vikings had previously signed the other four draft picks. Last year’s first-rounders waited almost until training camp to agree to their deals. Rookie contracts are almost entirely non-negotiable, besides some minor language details, and when the payments will be made.
Donovan Jackson
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
Jackson’s selection sparked a debate among those who wanted the club to trade down and regenerate some additional draft capital and those who were happy with the selection. Only time will tell who’s right, but the blocker has all the tools to be a successful player at the pro level.
He started 40 games for the Buckeyes, 31 at left guard and nine at left tackle following Josh Simmons’ torn ACL last season. Jackson moved to the outside and helped Ohio State capture the national championship.
After the draft, head coach Kevin O’Connell said about his new protector: “Love everything about his play style, his size, he’s got length, he’s got power. And then the little things that sometimes jump out at you about a player. Willingness to jump over to the left tackle spot, and the very next week, he’s blocking the third pick in tonight’s draft (Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter) and competing his tail off. Didn’t necessarily need to do that in a year where he was going to be drafted and evaluated the way he was. A lot of things that we’re very excited about.”
Competition
Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Blake Brandel (64) before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
But Jackson won’t be handed a starting job; he has to earn that. Blake Brandel, last year’s starter, is still in the building, and he won’t just concede.
Brandel entered the league as an offensive tackle in 2020, and the Vikings have kept him around in backup tackle duties for a few seasons. In 2023, he moved to backup guard, and he got the starting nod last offseason. His lone year as a full-time starter was up-and-down, with a solid start but a shaky end. Christian Darrisaw’s injury certainly didn’t help.
While surely no superstar, Brandel is a capable NFL blocker, and it remains to be seen whether Jackson can unseat him this summer.
New Offensive Line
Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) and center Ryan Kelly (78) enter the field before the game against New Orleans, Sunday., Oct 29, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis
Robert Scheer/IndyStar-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
If he did, however, Minnesota’s line would look intriguing for the first time in a while.
At the two tackle positions, the club employs Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill, two of the best in the business. Darrisaw might need some extra time to return from his severe knee injury, but once he’s back, the Vikings have an elite duo of tackles.
The inside has been completely revamped. Garrett Bradbury, Ed Ingram, and Dalton Risner are gone. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries were signed in free agency, and the two former Colts should provide another significant boost.
From left to right, the line could look like this: Darrisaw, Jackson, Kelly, Fries, O’Neill.
J.J. McCarthy and Aaron Jones will be happy about their new front.
