EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings 2025 offensive line construction project continued Thursday, bridging efforts in free agency with the first round of the NFL Draft.

Minnesota selected former Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the 24^th overall pick.

Jackson started 40 of 55 games for the Buckeyes, making 31 starts at left guard before kicking out to left tackle for nine starts in 2024 after Josh Simmons' season-ending injury and helping Ohio State win the national title.

NFL Media's Bucky Brooks rated Jackson as his No. 2 interior offensive lineman, and ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr., ranked him as his No. 2 guard in this year's draft.

Brooks wrote Jackson "mauls defenders with a violent style that meshes with a power-based offensive attack."

"As a large blocker with nimble feet, the Ohio State product is a Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl-caliber tools," Brooks added.

NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah ranked Jackson as his No. 41 overall prospect in this year's field.

Jeremiah wrote Jackson "has ideal size, strength and bend as an interior offensive lineman" and envisions him as a "top-tier guard."

"In the pass game, he sets with a firm anchor, bends his knees and stays attached. He can slide and redirect smoothly," Jeremiah wrote. "He is keenly aware on twists and stunts. In the run game, he creates movement on down blocks. He has the quickness and athleticism to kick out defenders on outside pulls. He has enough foot speed to reach and seal on the back side. His overall hand placement is excellent in both the run and pass game."

Jackson and teammate Seth McLaughlin became the third and fourth players in school history to earn First-Team All-American honors as a player and First-Team Academic All-American honors, joining Bob White (1958) and Randy Gradishar (1973).

With Christian Darrisaw set to return at left tackle for the Vikings, Brian O'Neill still manning the right tackle spot, and newcomers Ryan Kelly and Will Fries projected to line up at the center and right guard spots, the Vikings could have Jackson compete for the left guard role in which Blake Brandel started for the first time last season.

Vikings history in NFL Draft

Jackson is the fourth player ever drafted from Ohio State by Minnesota in the first round of an NFL Draft. He also joins former Buckeyes Leo Hayden (1971) and Korey Stringer (1995) as the three players the Vikings have ever drafted at No. 24 overall.

He is the 11^th offensive lineman tabbed in the opening round of a draft by the Vikings and 14^th player drafted from Ohio State in any round by Minnesota.