Expert grades of the Vikings first round of the 2025 NFL Draft

[ASFN Admin]

They say that it takes three years to accurately grade an NFL draft. That's three years too long in today's knee-jerk reaction world.

The 2025 NFL Draft is only one round old, with six more still to go, but that isn't stopping experts from grading every team's picks the morning after.

Although there was speculation that the Minnesota Vikings could trade down from pick No. 24 to accumulate more picks, the Vikings stayed put and selected Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson. It's not a sexy pick, but the former Buckeye will be counted on to be a Day 1 starter for the Vikings in 2025.

Let's take a look at what some of the experts have to say about the selection.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com, Grade: B​

Minnesota continued to remodel its interior offensive line with the selection of Jackson. He impressed by moving from left guard to left tackle during the Buckeyes’ championship run last season after the injury to Josh Simmons left a vacancy on the blind side. Jackson will move back to the interior in the pros. He’s a solid player who will be a sturdy pass protector and strong run blocker for years to come.

Pro Football Focus, Grade: Above Average​

With the Vikings set at the tackle positions and signing center Ryan Kelly in free agency, Minnesota looks to protect its first-round quarterback from 2024 with the Ohio State guard. Jackson graded above the 75th percentile in run-blocking grade on both zone and gap schemes. Jackson has experience at both guard and tackle, giving the Vikings flexibility long term.

The Athletic, Grade: B​

The Vikings spent money on their offensive line earlier this offseason, and they’ve now doubled down. Jackson was mainly a guard throughout his Ohio State career, but he performed well at left tackle after star Josh Simmons went down with a knee injury. He has the frame to be a tackle in the NFL, as well, although he might be better as a guard long-term.

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports, Grade: B​

Jackson is a good player who can play guard and tackle, but will be a guard for the Vikings. Minnesota needed to upgrade the interior of the offensive line and they will do it with Jackson. Teams loved his demeanor. I like the pick.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Expert grades of the Vikings first round pick of Donovan Jackson

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