Vikings Praised for Adding $17 Million ‘Unsung MVP’ From Champion

The Minnesota Vikings spent the fourth-most money this offseason at $455.5 million, per Spotrac, including free agency, re-signing veterans, and inking their draft picks, such as first-round selection and offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.

Jackson was the No. 24 overall pick, and he could earn a starting spot for the Vikings in 2025.

Moreover, outside impressions of the Vikings’ selection have been positive, with an anonymous coordinator praising the pick to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

“You know why I really like this pick? He’s going to be a solid 10-year starter,” the coordinator told Fowler in comments published on June 17. “Not sure he’s elite, but he will make a few Pro Bowls and be a really good player for a long time.”

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler called Jackson the Buckeyes’ “unsung MVP” last season.

“One of many good things heard late last night on new #Vikings LG Donovan Jackson: Played at an elite level in the playoffs in January, allowed just two pressures on 126 passing plays. Turned down Georgia + Texas out of HS, so been a stud for years,” KTSP’s Darren Wolfson posted on X in April after the Vikings selected Jackson.

Vikings ‘Bigger’ & ‘Better’ on OL

Given the money the Vikings doled out this offseason, including $105 million total to center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries in free agency, Jackson’s four-year, $17.2 million rookie scale contract could prove a bargain.

If he wins a starting spot, Jackson would be tasked with keeping pressure out of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s face.

That is an increasingly important job in the NFL.

“I particularly liked his ability to climb to the 2nd level as a guard and his recovery ability if he initially lost a rep,” Philly Inquirer’s Devin Jackson posted on X in March. “Holds a firm anchor against interior DL too.”

Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifield wrote on the expected improvement, which includes Jackson.

“Minnesota did in fact get bigger – and better, ideally – up front,” Kleifield wrote in May, noting Pro Football Focus ranked both veteran additions in the top 11 at their position. “From left-to-right, the Vikings could field a starting five of Christian Darrisaw, Jackson, Kelly, Fries and Brian O’Neill.”

Donovan Jackson Part of Vikings’ Renewed Commitment to Trenches

The Vikings’ work to retool their offensive line with Jackson and others is notable. PFF graded them as the 16th-best run blocking group and 18th in pass protection. With an unknown commodity in McCarthy stepping in under center, controlling the line of scrimmage is essential.

Like with Jackson joining former Indianapolis Colts teammates Fries and Kelly on the offensive line, the Vikings also bolstered their defensive line.

The Vikings’ defense graded out fourth against the run but 24th versus the pass.

They added former Washington Commanders star Jonathan Allen and ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle to the interior of their defensive front. The duo joins veteran Harrison Phillips, who is entering his fourth season with the club and eighth in the NFL.

Minnesota also traded for former 49ers running back Jordan Mason to back up Aaron Jones, potentially signaling head coach Kevin O’Connell’s re-dedication to the run game.