EAGAN, Minn. -- The 2025 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday, and the Minnesota Vikings kicked things off with Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, the No. 24 pick of Round 1.
Here is a breakdown of each Vikings pick:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 24: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
My take: Rarely do you see an NFL team take such a single-minded approach, not to mention devote this level of resources, to fix a personnel problem as the Vikings have this offseason for their interior offensive line. They used their first-round pick to draft Jackson, turning down multiple offers to trade down and accumulate more selections in what at the moment is a four-pick draft for them, and will soon plug him in at left guard. That came one month after they committed $106 million in free agency for new center Ryan Kelly and new right guard Will Fries. Among other things, this approach demonstrates the influence coach Kevin O'Connell now has in the organization. It was O'Connell, after all, who said this in the moments after his team gave up nine sacks and struggled to run the ball in their wild-card playoff loss to the Rams: "There's no question we've got to find a way to solidify the interior of the pocket."
Will he start as a rookie: Incumbent left guard Blake Brandel remains on the roster, and O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the Vikings will host a competition to ensure their best five offensive linemen are on the field when the season begins. But there seems to be little doubt that Jackson, barring injury, will be a starter at some point in his rookie season.
Said O'Connell Thursday: "The idea of Donovan walking into that O-line room that now has some pretty impactful players across the board there was something that was a goal, and I think tonight really put a stamp on a plan that we set out to accomplish."
What we're hearing: Jackson visited the team facility during the pre-draft process and watched film with O'Connell, during which they discussed Jackson's move to left tackle during his final season at Ohio State. That move particularly impressed O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah, both of whom noted his first game at the position came against Penn State's Abdul Carter, who was drafted No. 3 by the Giants.
"That can confirm a lot that you think about the player," O'Connell said, "when you made the switch that he did. What was that like? Why did you do it? ... And I think that's validated in the player being in the kind of year, such an important year for him and to be willing to do that. And then I think a great thing about evaluating Donovan is you got to see him playing against some really good players -- and not only just at guard, but when he made the move to tackle."
What's next: The Vikings have only three picks remaining at the moment, including only one (No. 97 overall) on Day 2. Adofo-Mensah said he was not particularly motivated to trade down or even out of Round 1 altogether to accumulate extra picks, and the Vikings will see if they can find a safety, running back and/or a cornerback over the next few days. Adofo-Mensah compared his approach to golf.
"I think approaching this draft from a mindset of, 'Hey, let's just, if the players hit the ball down the fairway, let's do that.' If it's going to be four picks at four positions that we really want for character people, four skill sets we require, let's go do that and we'll figure everything else out. ... Whatever the course is kind of asking us to hit, we're going to get that club out of the bag and see what happens."
Check out some of the top highlights from Maryland's Tai Felton.
Round 3, No. 102: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
My take: The Vikings got a highly productive receiver to help build depth for a season when they might have to cover for an early-season suspension of starter Jordan Addison, whose drunk driving citation from last summer is working through the Los Angeles court system. Veteran Jalen Nailor could be elevated to play alongside Justin Jefferson in that event, but the Vikings' free agent activity at the position -- Rondale Moore (recovering from a knee injury) and special teams player Tim Jones -- was not substantial enough. Felton's 96 catches last season at Maryland were the most in school history.
What we're hearing about Felton: He ran a 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, but senior vice president of player personnel Ryan Grigson said it was more important that "you can feel this player's speed on film." Grigson added: "The 4.3 is going to jump out to most people whenever you they see it, but also when you see it present itself on the field, that's another box checked. ... Also, something that I thought was unique about him is that he's good with the ball in his hand. He's not just a vertical speed guy. He can run routes. ... He's going to be able to do a lot of things for us in this offense. He's really a ball of potential in a lot of different ways."
What's next: The Vikings are halfway through their four picks in this draft, meaning they have two more remaining. They're both in the fifth round after a trade late Friday evening: No. 139 and No. 142. Positions they could explore include cornerback, safety and defensive tackle after adding a guard and a receiver with their first two picks.
Round 5 No. 139 (from Browns): Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, DL, Georgia
My take: The Vikings signed two veteran defensive lineman to big-money contracts in free agency in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. But Allen is 30 and Hargrave is 32, while nose tackle Harrison Phillips is 29. The Vikings need some youth for both depth and future development at the position, and Ingram-Dawkins gives them that. There will be plenty of opportunity to enter the rotation if he proves himself to coaches.
Round 6, No. 202: Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh
My take: The Vikings needed tight end depth following the departure of No. 3 tight end Johnny Mundt, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency, and Nick Muse, who had been their No. 4 tight end for the past three seasons. T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver will continue to get the majority of playing time, but Bartholomew will have a chance to contribute on special teams from the outset.
Round 6, No. 201: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
My take: King will get an immediate chance to contribute on special teams but also has a chance to provide depth behind starting inside linebackers Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores no doubt has some ideas on how to maximize his strength near the line of scrimmage.