The Minnesota Vikings entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission: fortify the offensive line to protect quarterback J.J. McCarthy and add depth to a roster poised for contention. On the latest episode of The Real Forno Show, hosted by Tyler Forness and producer Dave Stefano on the Vikings 1st & SKOL production in partnership with the Fans First Sports Network, the duo dissected the Vikings’ draft haul, headlined by first-round offensive lineman Donovan Jackson and a strategic trade for quarterback Sam Howell. Recorded on April 28, 2025, this episode, available on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel, offered fans a comprehensive look at General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s vision for the franchise. With engaging banter, fan interaction, and expert insights, Forness and Stefano explored why Jackson’s “boring” reliability is a perfect fit, how Howell’s acquisition was a draft-day steal, and what the future holds for Minnesota’s revamped roster.

Donovan Jackson: The “Boring” Star of the Offensive Line

The Vikings selected Ohio State offensive lineman Donovan Jackson with the 24th overall pick, a move that Forness described as both strategic and necessary. Jackson, a 6’4”, 320-pound guard with 33.5-inch arms and an athleticism score of 83, brings versatility and dependability to an offensive line that struggled with stunts and interior pressure in 2024. Forness emphasized Jackson’s ability to handle defensive stunts, a critical weakness for the previous line, noting, “What really drew me while watching him was he constantly had his eyes up. He did not dip. He notices a guy starting to crash, pushes him off, shuffles his feet, and gets his hands on the next guy. Boom, easy peasy.”

Jackson’s tape reveals a player who excels at the fundamentals—leverage, hip torque, and sealing rush lanes—without the flashy highlights that often dominate draft hype. Forness admitted, “I found Donovan Jackson to be boring to watch, and I don’t mean that as a bad thing. He’s just solid. He doesn’t do anything super flashy or exemplary. He just keeps defenders outta the pocket.” This reliability aligns with the Vikings’ offseason overhaul, which included signing free agents Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to complement left tackle Christian Darrisaw. Stefano added, “Can you put in Ryan Kelly’s attitude? I think we might see some more nasty come out on Jackson, which would be great.”

However, Jackson isn’t flawless. Forness pointed out occasional overbalancing in space, particularly when climbing to the second level, where he bends at the waist rather than dropping his hips. “He will lean and get himself off balance,” Forness said, but he believes coaching can refine this flaw. “You can ask him to wait until he’s on the guy, get his hands there, and drive.” With O’Connell’s track record of developing linemen and the presence of veterans like Darrisaw and Kelly, Jackson’s ceiling as a Day 1 starter with Pro Bowl potential—projected by analysts like Bucky Brooks—is within reach. His ability to play both guard and tackle adds flexibility, though Forness cautioned against moving him unless absolutely necessary: “You don’t want to replace two positions on the offensive line. Moving Donovan Jackson to left tackle means replacing left guard, creating more variables.”

Sam Howell Trade: A Cost-Effective Backup Plan

The Vikings’ draft wasn’t just about the picks—they made waves with a savvy trade for quarterback Sam Howell from the Seattle Seahawks. In a deal that saw Minnesota swap the 142nd pick for Howell and the 172nd pick, Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell capitalized on draft-day economics. Forness credited colleague Luke Braun for highlighting the strategy: “When you make trades for backups during the draft, it becomes significantly cheaper because you’re talking about an asset that’s right now, not in the future.” The trade effectively cost the Vikings a 30-pick drop in the fifth round, netting them Howell and two additional selections (201 and 202) for moving from pick 97 to 102.

Howell, a 24-year-old former starter for the Washington Commanders, brings a compelling mix of experience and untapped potential. In 2023, he threw for 3,946 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions, leading the NFL in pass attempts (612) and sacks taken (65). While his sack rate (10% of dropbacks) and interception totals raised concerns, Forness contextualized the numbers: “He was dropping back nonstop. If we can mitigate the sacks to three per game as a starter, that could add five points a game to your total.” Howell’s arm talent, mobility, and grit—described as a “very good arm” and “more than capable runner”—fit O’Connell’s system, which thrives on vertical passing and play extension.

Forness highlighted the long-term interest in Howell, noting, “Kevin O’Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had been looking at Sam Howell and were high on him since 2022.” This pre-draft research, confirmed by Adofo-Mensah’s comments about Howell’s high ranking on their 2022 board, underscores the Vikings’ confidence in his development. At $1.1 million in the final year of his rookie deal, Howell is a low-risk addition compared to pricier veterans like Jacoby Brissett. Forness explained, “They didn’t have to spend seven, $8 million. Howell brings similar value to what a Brissett would at a fraction of the cost.” With McCarthy recovering from a 2024 meniscus injury, Howell’s 17 career starts provide insurance without threatening the starter’s role, unlike a high-profile veteran like Kirk Cousins.

Draft Class Overview: Depth and Development

Beyond Jackson and Howell, the Vikings’ five-player draft class—wide receiver Tai Felton, defensive lineman Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, linebacker Kobe King, and tight end Gavin Bartholomew—focused on depth and upside. Forness offered mixed reviews, giving the class a B grade for addressing needs but lacking the “sizzle” of previous years. Stefano echoed this sentiment: “There was no sizzle in this draft like the previous year, but we solved a major issue with rebuilding the O-line.”

• Tai Felton (WR): A polarizing pick, Felton’s speed and return ability add depth, but Forness was “lukewarm” due to his raw route-running. Wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell’s endorsement, however, carries weight. “If Keenan signs off on it, good enough for me,” Forness said.
• Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (DL): A fifth-round pick with “super high upside athleticism,” Ingram-Dawkins flashes potential but is “not good at football yet.” Forness compared him to a blend of Jihad Ward and Pat Jones, suggesting a developmental role.
• Kobe King (LB): King’s speed and hitting power make him a two-down linebacker and special teams asset, though his coverage skills need work. “He go fast, hit hard,” Forness noted.
• Gavin Bartholomew (TE): Likened to Irv Smith Jr., Bartholomew’s versatility as a move tight end is promising, but roster competition with Benjamin Yurosek and Bryce Nesbitt could be tough. “He’s a sixth-round pick, so he has an upper hand,” Forness said.

The Vikings also signed five undrafted free agents (UDFAs) ranked in Arif Hasan’s top 300, a step up from last year’s three. Forness highlighted the team’s trend of finding edge rushers in UDFA, with at least one making the roster each of Adofo-Mensah’s three years. “They’re using undrafted free agency to build out the depth of the edge room,” he said, citing successes like Ivan Pace Jr. and Dwight McGlothern.

Strategic Roster Management: Cap Space and Compensatory Picks

Forness and Stefano also touched on the Vikings’ roster management, particularly the closing of the compensatory pick window on April 27, 2025. With two projected compensatory picks (potentially a third if players like Trent Sheffield or Nick Mullens qualify), the Vikings are positioned to avoid signing unrestricted free agents that could disrupt the formula. Forness explained, “Everybody’s like, oh, Asante Samuel Jr. He might have to retire due to shoulder and neck injuries. The Vikings may not sign any veterans because their roster is pretty damn good.”

The team’s $17 million in cap space is misleading, as Forness broke down: “$5 million for the draft class, $5 million for the practice squad, and you want to save $5-10 million for in-season acquisitions.” Restructuring contracts for players like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, or Brian O’Neill could create flexibility, but the Vikings are cautious. “If Jaire Alexander gets cut, you can’t sign him to a $15 million deal,” Forness warned. “You’re in a worse spot now.”

Why This Episode Matters for Vikings Fans

The Real Forno Show delivers more than just draft analysis—it’s a celebration of the Vikings’ journey toward contention. Forness and Stefano’s chemistry, combined with their willingness to engage with fans (like answering Freddy’s question about UDFA limits), creates a community-driven experience. The episode’s focus on Jackson’s reliability and Howell’s upside reflects the Vikings’ pragmatic yet optimistic approach under Adofo-Mensah and O’Connell. As Stefano put it, “We did what we needed to do to make us perennial contenders for the next couple years. We’ve wanted the line fixed for over a decade. It has the potential to be.”

For fans, the episode underscores the importance of “boring” excellence. Jackson may not dazzle like a skill-position star, but his ability to keep McCarthy upright could be the difference in a playoff push. Howell’s acquisition, meanwhile, shows the front office’s knack for finding value in overlooked talent. Forness’s analogy to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2020 offensive line rebuild is apt: “They spent all their resources to fix it and won two Super Bowls. It’s hard to say it’s a bad idea.”

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Vikings fans, don’t miss this episode of The Real Forno Show on the Vikings 1st & SKOL YouTube channel! Tyler Forness and Dave Stefano break down why Donovan Jackson is the “boring” anchor the offensive line needs and how Sam Howell’s trade could be a masterstroke. Subscribe, hit the bell for notifications, and join the SKOL community to stay updated on rookie minicamp, training camp, and more. Will Jackson become a Pro Bowler? Can Howell thrive under O’Connell’s coaching? Share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for Skoldiers & Spice and Two Old Bloggers for more Vikings content. As Forness and Stefano say, “SKOL Vikings, everybody!”

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Tyler Forness @TheRealForno of Vikings 1st & SKOL @Vikings1stSKOL and A to Z Sports @AtoZSportsNFL, with Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare producing this Vikings 1st & SKOL production, the @RealFornoShow. Podcasts partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and its NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.