EAGAN, Minn. — You've probably heard this before: Theo Jackson came up with the interception.

Just hours after Head Coach Kevin O'Connell touted Jackson as an ascending player, the 26-year-old safety lived up to his ballhawking reputation and awed with two picks in Friday's training camp practice.

Jackson hasn't logged more than 126 defensive snaps in a season since signing and debuting with Minnesota in 2022 after he was cut by Tennessee, which drafted him with the 204th pick that year. But it's hard to tell by the number of plays he's made in Vikings practices and when the phone rings for him.

In his only extensive action last season, Jackson managed to seal Minnesota's win at Seattle by picking off former Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the final minute – and on just his 21st defensive snap.

O'Connell quipped the "Closer" nickname he sometimes uses for Jonathan Greenard actually belongs to Jackson.

"Flo' (Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores) gives us a lot of freedom to, whatever we see, we can call and check things; he really gives us the reins," Jackson shared with a humble smile following Friday's collections. "So when we get that, plus being in the system for a while, a lot of good things happen.

"My confidence is always going to be high," he continued. "I think that comes with the defensive back position ... if you don't have confidence in this game, [you won't be] making plays."

Jackson was supported on defense by more swarms of players rushing the passer. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy responded from a tougher practice Wednesday by making several nice throws, including a beautiful touch pass to the front left pylon of the end zone hauled in by Thayer Thomas in a half-field, half-formation passing drill.

Justin Jefferson remains sidelined while dealing with a "very minor hamstring strain" but was incredibly interactive with teammates, again. Receiver Robert Lewis and safety Jay Ward also did not participate.

Next up is another padded practice open to the public Saturday before a closed session Sunday.

Here are three observations presented by Minnesota Eye Consultants, the Proud LASIK Partner of the Minnesota Vikings:

So nice, had to do it twice

Step aside, Dwight "Nudie" McGlothern. It's Jackson's time to shine.

Jackson put his teammate in the secondary on notice Friday, corralling not one but a pair of interceptions. That gives Jackson three in a span of two practices, after gathering one Wednesday, and officially places him on streak watch. McGlothern had his own string of afternoons with a pick come to an end. The 2024 undrafted free agent netted three over three consecutive practices, beginning Monday.

Jackson struck first in a team period by laying out for a middle-of-the-field pass from McCarthy that deflected off Jordan Addison's mitts. Later on, the safety floated across the middle and expertly timed a throw from Sam Howell, cutting in front of Tim Jones to intercept it. Jackson likely would've gone for six.

O'Connell said Jackson is "stepping into a role that he's quite honestly been ready for, for a while."

"Any time he's around the football in the deep part of the field, or getting a vision or a key to break on something underneath, he's normally – if he's around it – he's gonna make the play," O'Connell stated.

Red zone reactions

Toward the end of Friday's practice, the offense and defense migrated to the low-red area to work in tight quarters. For the most part, the offensive line groupings held up longer and fended off pressure. That stabilization enabled the quarterbacks to notch a couple completions – and at least a couple misses.

Two plays in particular captured noise from the crowd.

First, McCarthy extended the pocket to his right, maintained his eyes up as defenders reacted to his movement, then delivered a cross-body throw on the money to Lucky Jackson for a nifty touchdown.

The defense regained traction soon after when Dallas Turner located Jordan Mason, who was attempting to hang onto a dump-off pass by McCarthy over the middle, and levied his body into the thick-framed running back. Turner's impact knocked the ball incomplete and drew audible reactions from the stands.

Amazingly, Theo Jackson nearly scored a third interception on the final snap of the period. After diving unsuccessfully to steal another deflection, he rose to his feet and squeezed the ball, healthily frustrated.

'Sophomore' standouts

Turner flashes seemingly Every. Single. Session.

In addition to his major blow on Mason on Friday, the second-year outside linebacker swiftly made his way into the backfield for multiple sacks/pressures in various team drills. On one pressure, he combined with rookie inside linebacker Kobe King. On another occasion, he acted solo and got home to McCarthy.

Defensive lineman Levi Drake Rodriguez also impressed, laying a loud pop on ball carrier Aaron Jones, Sr., on the initial team snap that pitted the first offense against the second defense. The 2024 seventh-round pick joined the party of sacks, too, causing McCarthy's group to spike the ball in a simulated two-minute.

One play that didn't appear to result in a sack but came awfully close – and deserved the tally – featured former undrafted free agent Bo Richter displaying a Dwight Freeney-esque spin move past the right tackle. Richter was greeted by fellow 2024 UDFA Gabe Murphy for a high-five after the filthy pass rush.

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