Kevin O’Connell praises Donovan Jackson for development ahead of 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:22 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell noted significant growth in left guard Donovan Jackson as the team prepares for the 2026 season. O’Connell described the improvement of the sophomore lineman as monumental during a recent interview. Jackson, selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, played through a wrist injury last year while recording 26 pressures and two sacks allowed. The coaching staff intends to build a dominant offensive front, highlighting the left side tandem of Christian Darrisaw and Jackson. The team is looking for the offensive line to stabilize after struggling in previous seasons. Jackson enters his second year aiming to solidify his role as a key contributor on the Vikings' roster.
- •Kevin O’Connell labeled the growth of Donovan Jackson as monumental.
- •Donovan Jackson was the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- •Jackson allowed two sacks and 26 pressures during his rookie season.
- •The Vikings are focusing on the synergy between Christian Darrisaw and Jackson on the left side.
- 11:22 PMYahoo Sports — Kevin O’Connell Says that a Trenchman’s Growth Ahead of 2026 Has Been “Monumental”
"Kevin O’Connell tends to be an optimist. Still, the word choice is quite bold. Minnesota’s outgoing skipper did his weekly […]
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