For years now, the Minnesota Vikings have been trying to fix their offensive line through the draft and through free agency, and have not been able to find the right combinations. But it seems that they finally found a combination that could work for them and their quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at pick No. 24 in the first round of this year's NFL Draft. Jackson is turning heads at training camp lately, and fans are fired up to see him get some snaps in the preseason before the regular season starts.
Minnesota has needed some nastiness and toughness on its offensive line for so long now, and it seems that they finally found that in Jackson. They also needed guys who can help open up the run game, which Jackson excels at, and it was apparent at camp this past Saturday.
Minnesota Vikings addition of Donovan Jackson should really bode well for J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy is technically still a rookie, as he only got into one preseason game last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury and and Sam Darnold spent the entire 2024 campaign as the Vikings' starting quarterback.
With the preseason starting this upcoming weekend and Jackson now being in the fold, McCarthy should have a lot of time to read the field and make the throws that he needs to make. It's still unknown if Jackson is going to play in the preseason, but he definitely needs to get some reps before the season starts.
Jackson should be able to perform well as he should be starting at left guard next to veteran Christian Darrisaw, who will be at left tackle. Darrisaw should be able to teach Jackson all about what he needs to know and be a good mentor to the rookie Buckeye.