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There are not many more respected voices in the entire NFL Draft world than Mel Kiper Jr. He has given fans so many great moments and analysis over the years and has helped the draft become the spectacle it has become. Some 40 years later, Kiper Jr. is getting ready to wrap up this draft cycle after publishing his final mock draft.
Now Mel Kiper Jr. does not do trades in his mocks, he did at least go two rounds for everyone. The Vikings do not have a second-round pick as things currently stand, so they have just one pick in his piece. The one pick Kiper Jr. makes for the Vikings is an interesting one as he has them drafting Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.
He explains the pick writing, "Minnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It's a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let's take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts."
Jackson would be an interesting pick as he could be a plug in for Blake Brandel and be an upgrade in the process. I just am not sure that is the most immediate need for the team as they look to make the jump that everyone is expecting.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Who did the Vikings land in Mel Kiper's final 2025 NFL Mock Draft?
Continue reading...
Now Mel Kiper Jr. does not do trades in his mocks, he did at least go two rounds for everyone. The Vikings do not have a second-round pick as things currently stand, so they have just one pick in his piece. The one pick Kiper Jr. makes for the Vikings is an interesting one as he has them drafting Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson.
He explains the pick writing, "Minnesota signed guard Will Fries and center Ryan Kelly away from the Colts. It's a big improvement on the interior offensive line. Let's take it a step further. Jackson would replace Blake Brandel at the other guard spot, and he has the versatility to kick outside if needed. He did so this past season when Josh Simmons got hurt for Ohio State. That seems relevant given left tackle Christian Darrisaw is recovering from a left knee injury. Jackson is a plug-and-play interior blocker with great agility and technique; he allowed four sacks over 40 career starts."
Jackson would be an interesting pick as he could be a plug in for Blake Brandel and be an upgrade in the process. I just am not sure that is the most immediate need for the team as they look to make the jump that everyone is expecting.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Who did the Vikings land in Mel Kiper's final 2025 NFL Mock Draft?
Continue reading...
