The Vikings stood firm in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday night, selecting Ohio State Buckeyes All-American offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with their original 24th overall pick.
Jackson started his college career in Minnesota, playing his very first game against the Golden Gophers. Now, he'll begin the next chapter of his football journey wearing Vikings Purple.
"I can't wait to get to work with new teammates, new coaches and do whatever I can to help this team grow," Jackson said in a post-draft video call with local media.
Experts, loyal fans and former Vikings players chimed in on the big Buckeyes pickup. Here are our favorites:
1. ESPN analyst Field Yates offered an enthusiastic take:
2. Former Vikings running back and 1993 first-round pick Robert Smith shouted out his alma mater:
3. FOX9 anchor Amy Hockert pointed out Jackson's affection for his family:
4. Minnesotan Eric Thompson highlighted a focused strategy:
5. Former Vikings linebacker Ben Leber applauded the team's commitment to the trenches:
6. Draft analyst Jon Ledyard praised Minnesota's effort to improve its o-line:
7. From rivals to teammates:
8. One Vikings fan added some on-target humor:
9. More on-target humor:
10. Ron Johnson had the vision:
