Vikings make bold move to protect J.J. McCarthy (and silence the doubters)

With the Minnesota Vikings deciding to begin the J.J. McCarthy era this year, they used their first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to add even more protection for their new starting quarterback.

 

With the 24th overall pick in the opening round on Thursday, the Vikings opted against trading back and accumulating more selections, and instead decided to use their top pick to add former Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson.

Jackson split his final college season at Ohio State lining up as both a left tackle and a left guard, but he spent the majority of his tenure at the school lining up at left guard, which is where he will likely play for Minnesota next season.

 

Minnesota Vikings take big gamble by picking former Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson with first pick in 2025 NFL Draft

Some might be thinking, “Wait a minute? The Vikings needed a guard. What’s the problem?” That’s true and the selection of Jackson is a really good one that Minnesota should be able to benefit from sooner rather than later.

 

However, by not trading back in the opening round on Thursday, the Vikings now only have total of three picks left in the remaining six round of this year’s NFL Draft.

What this means is that Minnesota is likely going to make sure they are able to sign as many of the best undrafted players from this year as they possibly can. The Vikings have found some UDFA gems in the recent past, but the pressures is now on to hit on even more this year with only three picks left in the 2025 draft.

As for Jackson, it’s a selection that Minnesota fans should be excited about. Not just because he can step in as the Vikings’ new starting left guard next season, but because it also shows how committed the franchise is to protecting the future of their organization.