The Greatest OL the Vikings Have Ever Assembled?

Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) lines up during the second half of the NCAA football game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus Dispatch.

Back are both bookends in Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Minnesota signed center Ryan Kelly and coveted guard Will Fries to shore up the middle. That meant only Blake Brandel was projected to return from the interior. When they took Donovan Jackson on Thursday night, it signified Brandel’s time starting would be done.

The rookie comes to the Vikings from Ohio State. He has exceptional ability in that he is both a star guard, but kicked out to tackle when the Buckeyes needed to cover for an injury. Jackson is a big body but definitely a mover. He should help to protect quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the passing game, and he’ll also be more than capable of opening holes on the ground.

Oct 30, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) and offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw (71) react after a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

For years, we have seen the Vikings try to get by with patchwork pieces up front on both sides of the ball. Arguably, this is the most talented offensive line in Minnesota Vikings history. Pairing that with their investment up front on defense could make both units scary for the opposition.

Kevin O’Connell will have a young quarterback under center for the first time. The importance of building a capable offensive line for McCarthy could not have been overstated. As the Michigan product takes the field this season, he’ll have to feel great about the protection he is afforded up front.

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.

Aaron Jones also returns for the running game. He’s coming off a career year and is in great health. That may be difficult to replicate, but he should enjoy some expanded opportunity given the talent now blocking for him.

Minnesota, having a star-studded offensive line, hasn’t traditionally been the case. It is now.

Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.