Vikings LG1 Donovan Jackson is Quietly Having an Impressive Start to 2026

The talk of the Vikings so far this season has been the emergence of edge defender Dallas Turner. Quietly, another first-round draft pick made by former Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is having a great start to the 2026 season.

Donovan Jackson is Quietly Having an Impressive Start to 2026

Donovan Jackson had a steady rookie season, despite it being hampered by an injury early on. Hopes of a leap in Year 2 look promising two games into the season, with his work in pass protection especially impressive. Jackson does his best work at pass blocking, while his run blocking is still a work in progress.

Through the first two games, Jackson has not only avoided giving up a sack, but also has not allowed a single pressure on his quarterback. He is the only member of the Vikings starting offensive line who can say that.

With zero pressures allowed from 59 pass-blocking snaps, Jackson has the seventh most snaps across the league without allowing a pressure. Impressive work, to be sure.

The 2025 first-round pick received a career-high 88.4 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus in the opening game against Green Bay. Then in difficult weather conditions in Chicago, he stood up strong and helped the Vikings secure back-to-back wins to start the season. Jackson is also playing clean football, having not drawn a single penalty flag so far this season. In his rookie season, Jackson got called for four penalties.

Vikings Need Donovan Jackson to Continue Shining

The development of Jackson is essential for the strength of the Vikings’ offensive line.

Minnesota is strong at the tackle position with Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. It’s on the interior that the Vikings are still looking for answers. Minnesota gave Will Fries a huge contract to bring him in last year and he’s not lived up to the billing. In contrast to Jackson, Fries has struggled in pass protection by allowing five pressures, one sack, and one QB hit. Blake Brandel made a permanent move to center and is doing a decent job with just two pressures allowed and one QB hit.

Jackson could already be the Vikings’ best interior lineman, but there is still plenty of development ahead of him if he is to become one of the league’s best guards. When a team drafts a player in the first round, especially at a position like guard, then that is what you’re looking for: rising to becoming one of the best. It doesn’t always happen immediately — see the emergence of Dallas Turner in his third season — but the signs are positive that Jackson is moving in the right direction.

His development over the rest of the season is going to be something to keep an eye on. Jackson’s next chance to impress comes on Sunday when the Vikings head to Tampa Bay.

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