Surprise Twist: Minnesota’s Next Big Move Could Involve a Name Everyone Thought Was Gone Forever
Some NFL players revolutionize the position they play and change the way the league works. Thankfully, the Minnesota Vikings got one of those guys in Randall McDaniel when they selected him No. 19 overall in the 1988 NFL Draft.
With his unique blend of power and athleticism, McDaniel became a seven-time All-Pro First Team guard who made the Pro Bowl 12 times. It’s not a surprise that the Arizona State product worked his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Minnesota Vikings legend Randall McDaniel could help Donovan Jackson become the next big thing
These days, the Minnesota Vikings have made it a top priority to overhaul the interior of their offensive line. They hit free agency to sign center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries, but waited until the draft to fill the left guard spot.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Vikings selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson at No. 24 overall. An accomplished college blocker, Jackson played multiple positions but will slide into that left guard spot in Minnesota.
Recently, the Pioneer Press shared an article explaining that McDaniel hopes to visit Jackson and expressed an interest in helping the young Minnesota lineman as a mentor.
“When I first came into the NFL, I had some of the older offensive linemen kind of show me the ropes. It was great being able to pick their brains. I will offer that up to him. If that’s something he’s interested in, I’m more than willing to do that.”
Randall McDaniel via the Pioneer Press
This is an opportunity that Donovan Jackson would be silly to refuse. Although the league has changed a bit since Randall McDaniel was an elite offensive lineman, there is no doubt that the rookie could learn a lot about football from the legend.
There is no guarantee that Jackson will develop into a player anywhere near the caliber of McDaniel, but the potential is there for him to become a Vikings great. He has the physical tools to get the job done, but adding knowledge from one of the best to ever play the position should increase his odds of ascending to greatness.
Let’s hope this meeting between the two Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen happens. A player with the resume of Randall McDaniel extending this invitation to a promising young player like Donovan Jackson could be a big help for the offense moving forward.
When I first came into the NFL, I had some of the older offensive linemen kind of show me the ropes. It was great being able to pick their brains. I will offer that up to him. If that’s something he’s interested in, I’m more than willing to do that.”
This is an opportunity that Donovan Jackson would be silly to refuse. Although the league has changed a bit since Randall McDaniel was an elite offensive lineman, there is no doubt that the rookie could learn a lot about football from the legend.
There is no guarantee that Jackson will develop into a player anywhere near the caliber of McDaniel, but the potential is there for him to become a Vikings great. He has the physical tools to get the job done, but adding knowledge from one of the best to ever play the position should increase his odds of ascending to greatness.
Let’s hope this meeting between the two Minnesota Vikings offensive linemen happens. A player with the resume of Randall McDaniel extending this invitation to a promising young player like Donovan Jackson could be a big help for the offense moving forward.
