What Does Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Tell Us About Vikings Draft Plans?

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What Does Mel Kiper’s Latest Mock Tell Us About Vikings Draft Plans?

Donovan Jackson — Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ted Schwerzler · Minnesota Sports Fan

Wed, Apr 9, 2025 ·

3 min read

Ohio State guard to the Minnesota Vikings

But in his most recent mock draft rendition, NFL Draft GOAT, Mel Kiper (ESPN) has the Minnesota Vikings sticking and picking at No. 24 overall. Their pick? Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson , a 6'4″ 315 lb beefeater originally from Cypress, TX that would likely signal the end for Blake Brandel at starting LG, completing the interior offensive line overhaul of 2025.

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"Minnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It's a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let's take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts."

It's fair that Minnesota's decision in the first round could come down to a guard or cornerback. Kiper notes, "the Vikings do not have a second-round pick, but they could find a solid cornerback at the end of Round 3." That would be the gamble they must be willing to take.

We don't yet know if the Vikings will trade down, but that could be another avenue in which they accrue draft capital. Jackson spent four seasons with the Buckeyes and played 51 games at the collegiate level. He was ranked the second-best guard at the NFL Combine and earned a grade designating him as "a future plus starter."

Ohio State OG/OT Donovan Jackson (#74, LT) IMO is the most fundamentally sound and NFL prepared player in this Draft. https://t.co/fhiTnT4n7g pic.twitter.com/nccbMQthPF

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) April 7, 2025

Minnesota going with a guard in the first round would more than signify a commitment to new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy . They also should fare better in the running game. Both outcomes are a positive for O'Connell's offense and could vault them forward in 2025.

Is guard the right choice for MN Vikings?

The offensive line has been addressed substantially already. Do they feel that keeping Blake Brandel starting is stopping short of a necessary overhaul, or that he's capable with new pieces around him? Cornerback, on the other hand, is potentially one starter short of being addressed.

Byron Murphy Jr. is back and will operate as the top cornerback. Isaiah Rodgers is a new free agent acquisition that will join him in the starting lineup. They lost Stephon Gilmore and Shaq Griffin to free agency, and that means there is still one starting role they need to fill.

Jeff Okudah recently signed as a depth addition. Nahshon Wright was waived and takes a name out of the room. There's also Mekhi Blackmon who is returning after missing last season, and undrafted cornerback Dwight McGlothern Jr.

Maybe the board doesn't put them in a position to grab a corner, but if a top option is there, it's probably a spot they should seriously consider. A guard isn't going to hurt either, but Minnesota has multiple avenues they could take.

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