Minnesota Vikings Rookie Forecast 2025

Vkings Rookie Forecast 2025

Solid Starter

Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State – Round 1

The Vikings were without second and fourth-round picks, and surprisingly did not use their first- or third-rounder to add talent to their defense. Even though Minnesota spent heavily on Colts’ veteran center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries in free agency, the Vikings finished off the interior line revamp with the selection of Jackson. After an excellent career at Ohio State, Jackson could be a plug-and-play starter in Minnesota.

Jackson was a solid and reliable pass protector at Ohio State. He has strong hands that rock defenders and often knock them off balance to slow them down. Those strong hands also help him to sustain blocks, and Jackson shows an exceptional ability to sustain. He has a developed upper body, and once Jackson latches on, defenders can struggle to break free. With good size and strength, Jackson can stop bull rushes with an advanced ability to anchor. In 2024, Jackson got some good experience blocking on the edge, and as a pro, he should be an asset as an interior pass blocker.

At 6-foot-4, 315 pounds, Jackson was a productive run blocker as the Buckeyes had a lot of success running behind him. He is powerful at the point of attack with strong hands to rock back defenders. With his thick build and upper body, Jackson can drive block and get a push at the point of attack. Jackson is nasty, and he plays with a physical style and demeanor. With his strength, Jackson sustains his blocks well, and he looks to finish off defenders. There are plays where Jackson can be a dominant bull that blasts open running lanes. Jackson also shows the quickness to fire to the second level or get downfield on screens. He is agile and athletic enough to hit blocks in space, so Jackson could fit in a zone blocking or power man scheme.

Jackson should be a long-term starter at left guard for the Vikings and give them an upgrade. I think he could be a Pro Bowl player in Minnesota and turn into a very good starter early in his pro career.

2024: Dallas Turner, DE
2023: Jordan Addison, WR
2022: Ed Ingram, G
2021: Wyatt Davis, G
2020: Jeff Gladney, CB
2019: Garrett Bradbury, C
2018: Daniel Carlson, K
2017: Pat Elflein, C
2016: Laquon Treadwell, WR
2015: Trae Waynes, CB
2014: Scott Crichton, DE
2013: Xavier Rhodes, CB

Most Likely To Bust

After taking Jackson, the Vikings added a receiver in the third round in Tai Felton. The speedster from Maryland could end up being a solid rotational receiver and quality depth behind Jordan Addison. Perhaps Felton will develop into being a starter, but I don’t see a true player wih bust potential between Jackson and Felton.

2024: J.J. McCarthy, QB
2023: None
2022: Brian Asamoah, LB
2021: Chazz Surratt, LB
2020: Ezra Cleveland, OT
2019: Dru Samia, G
2018: Brian O’Neill, OT
2017: Ben Gedeon, LB
2016: Willie Beavers, OT
2015: Danielle Hunter, DE
2014: Teddy Bridgewater, QB
2013: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR

Potential Boom Pick

Likewise, I don’t see a player with boom pick potential. I think Jackson is a safe pick to be a solid starter, and I think Felton could be a quality rotational receiver. However, I do not think either of them will be an elite player and a dominant force. Hence, I don’t believe there is a player with true boom pick potential from the Vikings’ 2025 draft class.

2024: None
2023: None
2022: Lewis Cine, S
2021: Christian Darrisaw, OT
2020: Justin Jefferson, WR
2019: Irv Smith Jr., TE
2018: Mike Hughes, CB
2017: Dalvin Cook, RB
2016: Mackensie Alexander, CB
2015: Eric Kendricks, LB
2014: Anthony Barr, LB
2013: Sharrif Floyd, DT

Future Depth Player

Kobe King, LB, Penn State – Round 6

The Vikings had only three selections on the final day of the draft, each of the three has the potential to be a backup in Minnesota. King (6-1, 236) has quality size, speed, and could be a middle or outside linebacker. He had a really nice 2024 season for the Nittany Lions, recording almost 100 tackles and three sacks. King may not become a starter, but I think he could be a good backup linebacker and special teams contributor.

2024: Walter Rouse, OT
2023: Jaren Hall, QB
2022: Akayleb Evans, CB
2021: Kellen Mond, QB
2020: D.J. Wonnum, DE
2019: Alexander Mattison, RB
2018: Jayln Holmes, DE
2017: Bucky Hodges, TE
2016: Kentrell Brothers, LB
2015: Stefon Diggs, WR
2014: Jerick McKinnon, RB
2013: Michael Mauti, LB