ESPN’s Draft Crew Addresses a Vikings’ Need

The Minnesota Vikings enter the draft season with only four picks, a very low number, considering the usual is seven or more (often due to compensatory picks). Among other moves, Dallas Turner’s selection via trade-up cost some capital.

ESPN’s Draft Crew Addresses a Vikings’ Need

To compensate for the lack of selections, the Vikings could be a willing trade partner for teams interested in moving up in the first round. It’s also more critical than in other years for GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to land a good football player with his first selection currently scheduled for 24th overall because his next pick won’t be until the end of the third round when he is on the clock with the 97th pick.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates worked together to assemble a three-round mock draft, including a pair of Vikings picks.

24th Overall: OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

The Vikings have invested in their offensive line, finally getting rid of a long-time weakness. Ryan Kelly and Will Fries should be significant upgrades. The weak link is now left guard Blake Brandel, so why not complete the overhaul?

Kiper Jr. wrote about selecting Jackson, “The Vikings knew they had to address the interior this offseason and went out and signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly. But Jackson would represent an upgrade over Blake Brandel at the other guard spot. Jackson has some really strong movement traits.”

Jackson played in 51 games at Ohio State. Following last season, he was named first-team All-American and he finalized his collegiate career with a national title. The blocker spent most of his career at guard but moved to tackle during the 2024 season because of an injury to teammate Josh Simmons, who is also expected to be a first-rounder.

He plays with a lot of power but can also move well enough to succeed in Minnesota’s zone running style. Multiple years of tape don’t lie. The Vikings would have one of the top offensive lines in all of football with Jackson on board.

97th Overall: S Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma

It was Yates’ turn at the 97th overall slot and he sent Minnesota some safety help in Billy Bowman Jr.

Safety has been a popular position in Vikings mock drafts, usually regarding Malaki Starks (Georgia) or Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina), but addressing the position in the third round is also possible.

Yates noted, “Minnesota lost Camryn Bynum in free agency, and Harrison Smith is 36. But the team can add a football vacuum in Bowman late on Day 2. Bowman had 11 picks over the past three seasons.”

Bowman is a unique playmaking safety who can ball-hawk like few others and rack up interceptions. He also brings upper-tier speed for a safety. However, the trade-off is that he is undersized, leading to some tackling and strength woes.

The Vikings lost Cam Bynum in free agency, but re-signed Theo Jackson and made sure the immortal Harrison Smith would return for another season to play next to Joshua Metellus. However, at some point, The Hitman will say goodbye to the sport and having a successor in the building, as well as someone who can push Jackson, isn’t the worst idea.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.