5 underrated first-round options for the Vikings at the 2020 NFL Draft

Austin Jackson – OT (USC)

The Vikings offensive line needs some work, there is no doubt about that. The left side, in particular, was very bad at times in 2019. Left guard Pat Elflein struggled just about every single game and left tackle Riley Reiff, while still serviceable, put up a few poor performances himself.

Minnesota would love to find their heir apparent to Reiff in the 2020 NFL Draft and a player who the team could take at pick No. 25 who is a bit under the radar is USC’s, Austin Jackson.

Jackson is quite nimble for a man who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 310 pounds. He has a nice low base that he uses to anchor against the pass. His long arms and above average hand placement helps with keeping his quarterback clean against edge rushers.

Jackson is quick out of his stance and he will bust his but to get downfield on screens and sweeps. He would fit in nicely as a part of the Vikings’ screen game.

Jackson could stand to get a little stronger, but that is an easy fix as the team could just get him on a strict weight-training program when he gets to Eagan.

He could be better suited at right tackle and if that turns out to be the case, Minnesota would have to move Brian O’Neill to the left side. It’s unclear at this time if that is something the Vikings are willing to do.

Regardless, Jackson is definitely a name to keep an eye on for the Vikings at pick No. 25, especially if there is an early run on corners and offensive linemen.