As soon as rookie offensive guard Donovan Jackson was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he started hearing his name in the same sentence as legendary offensive guard Randall McDaniel.

It makes sense.

It’s been nearly 40 years since the Vikings have invested such premium draft capital into the interior of the offensive line. The selection of Jackson marked the first time the Vikings have used a first-round pick on an offensive guard since they selected McDaniel in the first round of the 1988 NFL Draft.

Though they haven’t officially met each other yet, McDaniel said he plans to come the Twin Cities in the near future to meet Jackson face to face.

“I will get out there at some point and make the official greeting,” McDaniel said. “I’m looking forward to that.”

In advance of the Vikings hitting the field for rookie minicamp this weekend at TCO Performance Center, the Pioneer Press decided it would be good to chat with McDaniel to get his take on Jackson.

Here’s an excerpt of that chat.

QWhat are your first impressions of Donovan from afar?

AI definitely like what I’m hearing. The things that he’s been saying are all great. Just a typical offensive lineman. He does all the right things. Just watching him play at Ohio State, loved him moving out to tackle help the team out. That’s what offensive linemen do.

QHow hard is that to do? It seems like it’s more difficult than people think.

AIt all happens so quickly inside. You can work with the center or the tackle. You’re on an island sliding outside. The technique completely changes up. You have to stop and think. That’s the hard part. You’re used to reacting quickly, so when things change, there’s a hesitation for a brief moment. You’ve got to make sure the technique is sound in order to combat that.

QWhy do you think Jackson proved by willing to make the move?

AIt’s all about the group. That’s how we operate. We’re not worried about ourselves. We’re going to bring our lunch pails to work and get our job done. That’s what I love to see. Just that he was willing to step out and get the job done.

QWhat else stands out about his play style watching him on film?

AThey were known for running that ball. I liked that. I like the way he gets after it. He finishes his blocks and initiates it. I’m an old school lineman; anytime I get to see a young kid run blocking, I get excited.

QHow much has the game changed since you were playing?

AIt’s a lot different. These guys are a lot bigger. There’s a lot more passing. You would think with the size of these guys that they would be running the ball more (but) it’s all about passing. That’s how it’s supposed to be. When I came out, the guys that played before me would say, ‘You guys don’t play like we do.’ I would be like, ‘It’s a different game now.’ It’s the same thing now. I would be too small. That’s part of the game. It’s exciting. It’s fun to watch the young kids come up and see the things that they can do. It’s their time and I enjoy watching them play.

QWould you be willing to be a mentor of sorts for Donovan? All offensive linemen have to stick together right?

AWhen 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.