For the first time since the Williams wall anchored the Metrodome turf, the Minnesota Vikings have invested soundly in the meat and potatoes of their roster. By mimicking teams on the forefront of championship contention like Detroit, San Francisco and Philadelphia, the Vikes didn’t draft for flash this year – they finally drafted with functionality in mind.
Selecting Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick signaled a bold step into the future; known for his pocket presence and ability to play well in a structured system, the 23 year old seemed a perfect prospective fit for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Instead of standing pat and tossing McCarthy the keys to a still-developing offense, the front office dug in at the line of scrimmage, reinforcing the idea that this team is building the right way – from the inside out.
Fast forward 12 months, a 14-4 season and another early playoff exit, Vikings’ brass doubled down on that philosophy and used this year’s first round selection to grab Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, a three-year starter who allowed just one sack in over 900 pass-blocking snaps during a collegiate career that culminated in a national championship. That’s not just a “safe” pick, that’s insurance.
The Vikings’ O-line gave up 47 sacks in 2023, tied for the 10th-most in the NFL. It’s hard enough for a rookie quarterback to read NFL defenses; it’s nearly impossible if he’s constantly scrambling and having to improvise even if you’re throwing the ball to Justin Jefferson. Jackson, who brings a veteran-level strength and high football IQ, should slot in as a day one starter, and his presence immediately upgrades the pocket integrity McCarthy will rely on to function and grow.
GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah bolstered the defensive front in free agency, adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave who – although long in the tooth bring experience, leadership, and a history of commanding double-teams; something Minnesota’s interior line sorely lacked in 2024, when they ranked 19th in sacks and bottom-tier in QB pressures from the A-gap.
Defensively, the front seven needed just as much help. Enter Georgia’s Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins in round five; a pick that doesn’t scream “franchise-changer” now, but could provide depth and diverse looks on defense in years two or three. Most scouts, fans and analysts chalk this up as a safe pick because of the system he played in at UGA and churns out NFL ready talent season after season.
Ingram-Dawkins, a 6’5”, 300-pound disruptor, didn’t always shine on the stat sheet at Georgia (3.5 career sacks), but scouts consistently praised his explosion off the snap and gap discipline. He’ll have a learning curve, sure, but as a rotational piece, he could quickly carve out a role—especially if injuries pile up late in the year.
It’s also worth noting Minnesota used a 3rd round pick on Tai Felton, a receiver out of Maryland with injury history that’s mirroring the Stefon Diggs pick all the way back in 2015. Felton is quick, shifty and extremely effective with the ball in his hands. He should completely free agent signing Rondale Moore in helping create space downfield for Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison while giving McCarthy talent options at every read through his progressions.
The Vikings didn’t get flashy; they got serious. Management knows McCarthy won’t be Josh Allen fresh from unwrapping – he’s going to need clean pockets, balanced play-calling, and time to develop chemistry with his receivers and protection. mini camp and OTAs will be opportune for advancing his development. That process becomes a lot easier when the offensive and defensive lines are giving you a chance every Sunday. If McCarthy becomes Minnesota’s first ten-year starter since Tommy Kramer, it won’t just be because of his arm, it’ll be because the Vikings invested in their foundation first and hopefully got it right.
mitchlinsley.com 
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