Donovan Jackson plays on a football team that can’t tolerate failed draft picks because failed draft picks have sullied the last few seasons. Accordingly, he ranks No. 11 on VikesNow‘s most important Vikings players countdown for 2026.
The regular season is just 19 days away for Jackson’s Minnesota Vikings. He’ll hope for a plentiful Year No. 2 in the pros.
Why Donovan Jackson Ranks No. 11
Jackson’s Role in 2026
Jackson’s job in 2026 is to put a stranglehold on the left guard job, so much that there is absolutely zero doubt that he’s the longterm solution when the 2027 offseason arrives. It’s really that simple.
Minnesota selected him with the 24th overall pick to address persistent issues with their interior offensive line. His rookie season showed promise: Jackson played 795 offensive snaps and allowed only two sacks.
Now entering his second year, he is more familiar with Kevin O’Connell’s system. Positioned next to Christian Darrisaw and with Blake Brandel at center, Jackson is expected to provide stability as an anchor. The Vikings also prioritize an improved running game this season, making Jackson’s power and athleticism crucial to the new blocking scheme’s effectiveness.
Jackson said in June about the difference between his second and first years in the NFL: “Oh my gosh, man, it’s night and day. I was like a headless chicken trying to learn a foreign language with this playbook.”
“But a year under my belt, I come out here, and now I’m actually able to try to get better in certain details and certain crafts.”
What Success Looks Like
Jackson logged a 59.4 Pro Football Focus grade in 2025. That’s undesirable for a veteran but acceptable for a rookie. Now, he must score in the 60s — or the 70s if he’s in a good mood. First-round guards carry a larger onus. Jackson must [eventually] turn into a Pro Bowler or fringe Pro Bowler to make the 1st-round draft stock worth the squeeze.
He finished his last nine games without giving up a sack, an impressive feat. Minnesota hopes to see that consistency all season, along with far fewer than the 26 pressures he allowed in his rookie year.
If Jackson can protect Kyler Murray and create running lanes while staying healthy, the Vikings will have secured an interior offensive line spot for years to come.
At all costs, Jackson must avoid regression and take the next step expected from Round 1 guards.
What Could Make This Ranking Look Too Low – – or Too High
There’s a world – – and it’s not nuts – – where Jackson hones his craft in Year No. 2 to the point of becoming stellar. He showed the makings of a solid interior offensive line as a rookie. He’s also tough, playing through a wrist injury last season that might’ve sidelined other combatants.
If Jackson continues his upward path, the No. 11 ranking could seem low in hindsight. This is the breakout option.
On the other hand, this ranking might be too high if he doesn’t improve. His aforementioned PFF grade ranked him 45th among qualified guards. His run-blocking was particularly weak, with a grade of 57.2, placing him 50th. Jackson can’t merely be “good enough.” If that’s the case, the Vikings could’ve drafted a guard later in the 2025 draft. Should Jackson remain an average player, several other Vikings lower on this list deserve greater recognition.
Next in the Countdown
The VikesNow countdown has reached the Top 10, alas. If you’re a first-time reader, here’s a review.
40 | Myles Price (WR)
39 | Tai Felton (WR)
38 | Demond Claiborne (RB)
37 | Caleb Tiernan (OT)
36 | Bo Richter (OLB)
35 | Theo Jackson (S)
34 | Ivan Pace Jr. (LB)
33 | Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT)
32 | Ryan Van Demark (OT)
31 | Charles Demmings (CB)
30 | Jakobe Thomas (S)
29 | Josh Oliver (TE)
28 | Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DL)
27 | Jake Golday (LB)
26 | Domonique Orange (DT)
25 | James Pierre (CB)
24 | Eric Wilson (LB)
23 | Jay Ward (S)
22 | Jauan Jennings (WR)
21 | Aaron Jones (RB)
20 | J.J. McCarthy (QB)
19 | Isaiah Rodgers (CB)
18 | Josh Metellus (S)
17 | Blake Brandel (C)
16 | Will Fries (RG)
15 | Will Reichard (K)
14 | Caleb Banks (DT)
13 | Blake Cashman (LB)
12 | T.J. Hockenson (TE)
11 | Donovan Jackson (LG)
Fourth-year wideout Jordan Addison opens our Top 10, a man who hopes to top 1,000 receiving yards for the first time with Kyler Murray in town.
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VikesNow Verdict: Jackson’s rookie season provided plenty to build on, but 1st-round guards eventually must become difference-makers. If his improved comfort translates into better run blocking and fewer pressures, Minnesota could have its longterm left guard secured.
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