Rising Minnesota Vikings rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs
The post Rising Minnesota Vikings rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs appeared first on ClutchPoints.The Minnesota Vikings entered their 2025 offseason with a clear sense of urgency. After a strong 14-3 campaign that ended in playoff disappointment, the team doubled down on roster upgrades, spending big in free agency and investing heavily in the draft.
With the dust settling from a busy spring, all eyes have shifted to OTAs, where the first glimpses of the new-look Vikings are on display. Amid the usual buzz, one rookie has quickly emerged as a standout, first-round pick Donovan Jackson, the offensive lineman who is already turning heads among coaches, teammates, and analysts alike.
Jackson, drafted to help solidify a retooled offensive line, is benefiting from a unique situation in Minnesota: near-perfect OTA attendance. Head coach Kevin O’Connell emphasized how valuable it is to have almost the entire roster present, especially given the influx of new starters on the offensive front.
“We got darn near 100 percent participation…to have really the totality of your football team here in the month of May, working together and so much coaching and teaching, guys learning, growth, development, all the things we love as coaches and our players know to get to where we want to get to this season,” O’Connell told the media.For Jackson, this environment is ideal. He’s not only learning the playbook but also building crucial chemistry with fellow linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, both new additions themselves. The early reports from Eagan suggest Jackson is adapting quickly to the NFL’s speed and complexity, showing off the athleticism and intelligence that made him a first-round selection.
